News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Putnam County School Board has approved a change in its grading scales for grades three through 12.
After a recent bill was passed in the Tennessee legislature, Putnam County Schools will now have a 10-point grading scale instead of a seven-point grading scale. For example, instead of an A sitting in the 93-100 range, it will be from 90 to 100. Grade 5 through 12 Instructional Supervisor Bubba Winningham:
“What we’re looking at is consistency with colleges and universities that use this grading scale in the state and out of state,” Winningham said. “So our students who are looking for scholarships in high school and things like that, this is consistent with those universities so it will help our students who are looking to further their education.”
The change will go into effect this coming school year.
“The new grade scale passed by legislation addresses 9-12 grades specifically, but implementing this scale across grades 3-12 will allow for consistency for our families, so they know the expectations through their child’s education in our system,” Director of Schools Corby King said. “We see the benefit for our students to be on the same level as other schools in the country. A student’s GPA plays an important role in scholarships. With the grade scale changes, the goal is for more Tennessee students, including those in Putnam County, would qualify for the HOPE scholarship.”
According to the school system, the 10-point grading scale will also apply to first and second grades in the school system. However, their letters will remain E, G, S, N, and U instead of A, B, C, D, and F, like 3-12 grades. Students in Kindergarten will continue with current standards-based grading, which focuses on watching students’ mastery of a skill.
