LTHS Moves to a New GPA & Grading System in 2012-13

For approximately two years, we have been researching our existing GPA and grading system that reports on student progress at LTHS.  For more than 30 years, Loyalsock has utilized a 5.0 weighted GPA and grading system.  Much research, analysis of other schools' systems (regionally and nationally), and study of some of the most prominent scholars in the country was used to move to this new system.  Three school board meetings and discussion between also occurred to apprise everyone of the proposed changes and research as to who and how.  More correspondence will be used with students and families as we convert from our old system to the new 4.0 system in the next few months.  The following is a synopsis of the changes that will occur:

GPA

• Move to a 4.0 system from a 5.0 system using a GPA multiplier
• Student’s report card and transcript will show the raw numerical grade earned in each course. GPA, by course, will be determined using the following assigned weights/values:
       Academic courses: 1.0
       Honors courses: 1.04
       AP/College: 1.08
• GPA Calculation Method:
       1. Raw Grade in Course x Credit x Weight = QUALITY POINTS
       2. Sum of Quality Points / Total Credits Attempted = CUMULATIVE AVERAGE
       3. Cumulative Average x .04 = GPA (on a 4.0 Scale)

New Letter/Number Grade Range Equivalents

A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 65-69
F 64-below

Process for Conversion of Coursework Completed by Students in Grades 9-11 to a 4.0 System

Students in grades 9-11, representing the graduating classes of 2013, 2014, 2015 who will complete coursework by the end of their 2011-12 school year will have each course taken to date at Loyalsock converted to a 4.0 system. Specifically, coursework taken to date that now will have a different assigned level (i.e. converting to Honors when previously the course was Academic), will be weighted accordingly on each student’s transcript under the new 4.0 system. A new copy of each student’s transcript (academic record to date at LTHS) will be sent home over the summer of 2012 to each parent/guardian to signify the respective changes, including now what each student’s new GPA currently is on a 4.0 system. NOTE: This process will not be utilized with the current Class of 2012.  Current LTHS students shall not be reduced in class rank solely as a result of this system conversion. While unlikely, any student whose class rank may be adversely affected shall be "held harmless" regarding class rank until the end of the 2012-2013 school year.