The current GPA system accounts for some but not all classes taken by students. The proposed GPA changes would look at using all courses to calculate averages.
Changing the GPA weight scale was only discussed by the board of trustees and district staff, and no action was taken by the board during its March 24 meeting. The change in grade point average would go into effect for incoming freshmen, Superintendent Thomas Maglisceau said.
“We want to honor the courses that our students are choosing to take and give them the credit they’ve earned,” said Jason Johnston, CISD’s senior chief academic officer.
Current situation
A student’s GPA currently reflects the first four core courses—English and language arts, math, social studies and science—taken while in high school.
The weight of GPAs are currently split into two levels:
- The first level is a 4.0 and includes on-level courses
- The second level is a 5.0 and includes advanced courses, such as advanced placement and dual credit classes
Grades will be weighted by three categories:
- On-level courses would be a 5.0
- Honors courses would be a 5.5
- AP and dual credit courses would be a 6.0
Some context
The current GPA policy has created issues for students when applying for college and scholarships. High school counselors have been manually calculating some students’ GPAs in order to account for all courses, district officials said.
Changing the policy would give students credit for the rigor in AP and dual credit courses, Johnston said. It would also better reflect student's work outside of core classes, such as athletics and fine arts, Lead Secondary Counselor Kathryn Wells said.
The GPA policy change would take effect with the next freshman class if approved by the board of trustees. Current high school students’ GPA calculations will follow the former policy until graduation.
What’s next
The proposed change will be brought back to the board of trustees in April.
