Wayzata Middle Schools Move To New Grading System

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Twin Cities school district is getting away from traditional letter grades and trying a new type of grading system.

Middle schools in the Wayzata, Minn. district will be moving towards what's being called 'Standards Based Grading.'

Wayzata began exploring the idea three years ago. Students will receive numbers for grades, not letters, beginning in the fall.

"Letter grades over time have evolved into something that really relies on averages. And averages really distort the true feedback on actual learning," said Principal Paul Paetzel.

Instead of A-F grades, Wayzata middle schoolers will see a one to four scale that Paetzel calls 'Grading for Learning.' A four means the student is exceeding expectations, three means expectations are being met and a two means they're approaching expectations.

"One means you are really working at it, it's just not sticking yet so you have some work to do," said Paetzel.

But Paetzel said the main difference is that 'Grading for Learning' also factors in things like time management skills, behavior and how hard the student is working. Paetzel said a low letter grade may not reflect just how far the student has actually come.

"Working hard is an important part of success. How do we deal with when we encounter obstacles and how do we deal with failure?" said Paetzel.

"It was a little confusing at first as a parent," said Sarah Clinite.

Clinite has a student at East Middle School. She said she's gone from being skeptical of the new system to supporting it.

"But I think it would be a better tool to see where my child is in understanding the material rather than a letter grade. It translates better into what they're learning," said Clinite.

Paetzel said students and parents shouldn't look at the new scale as translating into letter grades, because factors beyond book work are being considered.

Wayzata high schools students will still receive letter grades, but Paetzel says more and more districts are considering moving to this type of grading system.