Grading scale change in Fairfax-Update

March 15, 6:50 PMDC Family ExaminerRisa Sanders

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Parents who are concerned about the proposed grading scale change for FCPS should be aware the issue isn't resolved yet. Reportedly, FCPS officials are planning to recommend that Honors and Pre-AP/IB courses not be adjusted retroactively, which could negatively impact the next couple years worth of graduating classes. Details on this aren't clear yet. Concerned parties are encouraged to check the FCPS and FairGrade websites and to continue to write their School Board representatives. Dr. Dale, FCPS Superintendant, will make his staff's reccomendations to the Board by the end of this month.

 Fairgrade, the parent-led advocacy group that has mobilized thousands of Fairfax parents to successfully petition the school board for the grade scale change, states on their website that, "When students apply to colleges, over half the advanced courses on their FCPS transcripts typically come from honors courses rather than AP or IB courses. FCPS central staff have suggested that they may recommend against retroactive weighting for honors courses, including pre-AP/IB courses, but have refused to reveal their reasons to FAIRGRADE. Retroactive weighting of honors courses is critical for raising students’ GPAs for college admissions and scholarship decisions, especially for the Classes of 2010-2012". FairGrade encourages parents to email the School Board about their support for retroactive weighting of honors/pre-AP/IB courses.

 More crucial FCPS updates:

LOBBYING FOR STRONG SCHOOLS:

FAIRGRADE also reports that:

 1. On Tuesday night, March 24th, at 7:30 PM, representatives from all the teachers unions and the Fairfax County Council of PTAs will present suggestions for how the School Board could balance the FCPS budget without increasing class sizes or making harmful cuts. After short presentations, there will be an open Q&A session. This public meeting will take place at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, 6560 Braddock Road, Alexandria, in the auditorium.

 2. If you are concerned about proposed budget cuts to the schools, please take the time to learn about the FCPS budget The School Board is asking FAIRGRADE supporters to lobby the Board of Supervisors (BOS) to provide necessary funds to FCPS.

Stay tuned......