Overview of Grading Policy
Maryland’s grading policy aims to provide a clear, consistent, and fair evaluation of student performance. The policy includes traditional letter grades, mastery scales, and standards-based grading, ensuring that students, parents, and educators have a comprehensive understanding of academic achievements. This guide will walk you through the key aspects of Maryland’s grading system, helping you navigate its components effectively.
Grade Scale
Maryland uses a standard letter grade system to assess student performance. Here’s the grading chart:
| Letter Grade | Percentage Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | 90-100% | Excellent |
| B | 80-89% | Good |
| C | 70-79% | Average |
| D | 60-69% | Below Average |
| F | 0-59% | Failing |
Mastery Scale
The Mastery Scale in Maryland is designed to evaluate students’ understanding and mastery of specific skills and knowledge areas. Here’s how it breaks down:
| Mastery Level | Description |
|---|---|
| 4 | Advanced (Exceeds Expectations) |
| 3 | Proficient (Meets Expectations) |
| 2 | Basic (Approaching Expectations) |
| 1 | Below Basic (Needs Improvement) |
| 0 | No Evidence (Insufficient Data) |
Standards-Based Grading
Standards-based grading in Maryland focuses on students’ proficiency in meeting predefined standards. This method assesses students based on their ability to demonstrate understanding of the course content.
| Proficiency Level | Description |
|---|---|
| 4 | Exceeds Standards |
| 3 | Meets Standards |
| 2 | Approaching Standards |
| 1 | Below Standards |
FAQs
- What is the grading scale used in Maryland schools?
Maryland uses a traditional letter grade system ranging from A to F, along with a mastery scale and standards-based grading. - How are grades calculated in Maryland?
Grades are calculated based on a combination of assessments, assignments, participation, and other criteria set by individual schools. - What does an ‘A’ grade represent?
An ‘A’ grade represents a percentage range of 90-100%, indicating excellent performance. - What is the mastery scale?
The mastery scale assesses students’ proficiency in specific skills and knowledge areas, ranging from advanced (4) to no evidence (0). - How does standards-based grading work?
Standards-based grading evaluates students based on their ability to meet predefined standards, with proficiency levels from 1 to 4. - Can parents access their child’s grades online?
Yes, many Maryland schools provide online portals where parents can view their child’s grades and academic progress. - What happens if a student fails a course?
Students who receive an ‘F’ may need to retake the course or attend summer school to meet graduation requirements. - Are there opportunities for grade improvement?
Yes, students often have opportunities to improve their grades through extra credit, retakes, and additional assignments. - How are report cards distributed?
Report cards are typically distributed quarterly, either in print or electronically. - What resources are available for struggling students?
Schools provide various resources such as tutoring, counseling, and academic support programs to help struggling students.
Resources
Here are some valuable resources related to Maryland’s grading policy:
- Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE): Official site for Maryland’s education policies, resources, and updates.
- Parent and Student Portal: Online portal for accessing student grades, attendance, and other academic information.
- Local School District Websites: Each district’s website provides specific details about grading policies, resources, and contact information.
- Maryland Report Card: Comprehensive data on school performance, including grading statistics and academic progress.
- Tutoring and Academic Support Programs: Various programs are available through schools and community organizations to support student learning and grade improvement.
Grading Policy for Schools in Maryland