The 8th grade science class needs a change in the grading system.

Her grading system goes against the district’s grading system. Under the district’s Assessing Learning and Grading Framework and school conversion tables (such as the standard rubric published by Noe Middle School), standards-based 1–4 levels convert as follows: [1]

Standards-Based ScoreLetter GradePercentage ScalePerformance Description

4 | A | 90% – 100% | Meets or exceeds standards

3 | B | 80% – 89% | Approaching standard complexity / Proficient

2 | C | 70% – 79% (or 75–79%) | Partially meets / Developing skills

1 | D / U | Below 70% | Needs significant improvement.

According to Mrs.Chandler, for example, a 99% is a B/3. This goes against JCPS’ grading system. Getting an 80-89% score, for example, would be a 2/C according to this teacher-guided grading system. JCPS considers a 80-89% score to be a B/3. This system brings down student’s GPAs, prevents them from participating in sports, causes stress and other mental distress, and more.

An anonymous report from a student who visited the counselor says, “When I went to talk to the counselor, I brought up being stressed in my class. She said I was the 4th person to talk about science class—and that was only in one day.” According to various coaches, D’s and U’s are failing grades, meaning you can’t participate in the sport if you have one. Majority of the 8th grade is failing science class. 

If you feel affected by this issue, please talk to your counselor, talk to your parents, keep speaking up.