North Carolina Schools Grading Policy

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the North Carolina Grading Policy. This guide is designed to provide you with a clear and detailed understanding of how grading works in North Carolina schools. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, this guide will help you navigate the grading system effectively.

Overview of North Carolina Grading Policy

North Carolina’s grading policy aims to provide a fair and consistent evaluation of students’ academic performance. The policy includes traditional letter grades, a mastery scale for specific subjects, and standards-based grading for early education. The goal is to ensure that grades accurately reflect students’ understanding and skills.

Grade Scale 📊

The traditional grade scale used in North Carolina schools is as follows:

GradePercentage RangeDescription
A90-100%Excellent
B80-89%Good
C70-79%Average
D60-69%Below Average
F0-59%Failing

Mastery Scale 📈

North Carolina uses a mastery scale for certain subjects to evaluate students’ proficiency. This scale is designed to show how well students have mastered specific skills or content.

LevelDescription
4Exceeds Mastery
3Mastery
2Approaching Mastery
1Limited Mastery
0No Evidence of Mastery

Standards-Based Grading 📚

In addition to the traditional and mastery scales, North Carolina also implements standards-based grading, particularly in early education. This system assesses students based on their ability to meet specific learning standards.

LevelDescription
4Exceeds Standards
3Meets Standards
2Progressing Towards Standards
1Needs Support

FAQs ❓

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about North Carolina’s grading policy:

  1. What is the purpose of the mastery scale?
    The mastery scale measures students’ understanding of specific content areas to ensure they meet learning objectives.
  2. How often are grades updated?
    Grades are typically updated at the end of each grading period, which can vary by school district.
  3. Can parents access their child’s grades online?
    Yes, most schools provide online portals for parents to monitor their child’s academic progress.
  4. What happens if a student receives a failing grade?
    Students who receive a failing grade may be offered remedial support or the opportunity to retake the course.
  5. How are grades determined for special education students?
    Grades for special education students are determined based on individualized education plans (IEPs).
  6. Is there a standard grading scale across all schools in North Carolina?
    While there is a common grading scale, individual districts may have slight variations.
  7. How does standards-based grading differ from traditional grading?
    Standards-based grading focuses on students’ ability to meet specific standards rather than overall performance.
  8. Are there any grade appeals processes in North Carolina?
    Yes, students and parents can appeal grades through a formal process outlined by the school district.
  9. How does grading affect college admissions?
    Grades are a significant factor in college admissions, along with standardized test scores and extracurricular activities.
  10. What resources are available for students struggling with grades?
    Schools often provide tutoring, counseling, and academic support programs to help students improve their grades.

Resources 📘

Here are some valuable resources related to North Carolina’s grading policy:

  • North Carolina Department of Public Instruction: ncpublicschools.org
  • Provides comprehensive information on state education policies, standards, and resources.
  • PowerSchool Parent Portal: PowerSchool
  • An online portal for parents to track their child’s academic progress.
  • North Carolina State Board of Education: ncstateboard.org
  • Governs and oversees public education in North Carolina.

Grading Policy for Schools in North Carolina