Press Release
♦ Raleigh, N.C.- Senators Tom McInnis (R-Richmond), Jerry Tillman (R-Randolph) and Dan Soucek (R-Watauga) introduced legislation on Thursday to modify the North Carolina Public School grading system.
Last year’s school grades were based on a 15-point scale. Starting this year the Excellent Public Schools Act required school grades to be assigned based on a 10-point scale. Senate Bill 450 would extend the 15-point grading scale for another two years. Three years of consistent data from the grading system will allow legislators to make informed decisions about the accuracy and usefulness of the current grading system.
“I’m pleased we’ve been able to come up with a modification to the grading system,” said McInnis. “It provides a cushion to our rural, financially challenged school systems as they work to improve student performance and comply with the Excellent Public Schools Act.”
“Senator McInnis has convinced me that the 15-point scale is fairer to our rural school systems than the 10-point scale,” said Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham). “Having three years of consistent data will allow us to evaluate the grading system and determine if factors like growth in student performance should carry a heavier weight.”
