We urge the Rockingham County school board to return to the standards-based grading system and end the 10-30-60 grading system now used in all schools in the Harrisonburg and Rockingham district for the 2026-2027 school year.

For the past 2 weeks, we have gathered data on grades and how students feel about this change, and what we are seeing is clear: this new system is harsher, less fair, and more stressful for students. When 60% of a grade depends on tests and only 10% on practice, school becomes more about test scores than learning. Practice is often where students show growth, build skills, and learn from mistakes. Under this system, one bad test can pull a grade down too far, too fast.

This change was sudden, and parents and students were not given enough information about why it was made or how it works. Students are now carrying much more pressure, and that pressure can lead to fear of failure, loss of confidence, and harmful stress. We have heard from students who feel overwhelmed, and many say they were far more confident and happy with grades last year.

This system is especially unfair for students with performance anxiety and for those who struggle when school feels like nothing but tests. 6" through 7" graders are not allowed to bring Chromebooks home, even though so much work and studying now depend on them. If students are expected to prepare for high-stakes tests, they should at least have the tools to do so.

Grades should support learning, not punish students for struggling. We ask the school board to restore a more balanced and supportive grading system for all students. Please sign this petition and help us push for change.