Overview of South Carolina Grading Policy
South Carolina’s grading policy is designed to provide a clear and consistent evaluation of student performance across the state. The policy includes traditional letter grades, a mastery scale, and standards-based grading to ensure that students’ academic achievements are accurately reflected. These systems aim to support students’ learning and development by providing meaningful feedback to students, parents, and educators.
Grade Scale
The South Carolina grading scale uses letter grades to represent student performance. Here is 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 | 59 and below | Failing |
Mastery Scale
The mastery scale is another component of South Carolina’s grading policy, focusing on students’ mastery of specific skills or standards.
| Mastery Level | Description |
|---|---|
| 4 | Exceeds Expectations |
| 3 | Meets Expectations |
| 2 | Approaching Expectations |
| 1 | Needs Improvement |
Standards-Based Grading
Standards-based grading in South Carolina evaluates students based on their proficiency in meeting specific academic standards. This approach provides more detailed insights into students’ strengths and areas for improvement.
| Proficiency Level | Description |
|---|---|
| 4 | Advanced |
| 3 | Proficient |
| 2 | Basic |
| 1 | Below Basic |
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about South Carolina’s grading policy:
- What is the grading scale in South Carolina?
- The grading scale ranges from A (90-100) to F (59 and below).
- What does a grade of ‘A’ represent?
- An ‘A’ represents excellent performance, with a percentage range of 90-100.
- How is mastery assessed?
- Mastery is assessed on a scale from 1 to 4, with 4 being “Exceeds Expectations” and 1 being “Needs Improvement”.
- What is standards-based grading?
- Standards-based grading evaluates students’ proficiency in specific standards rather than overall subject performance.
- How are grades communicated to parents?
- Grades are communicated through report cards, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences.
- Can students improve their grades?
- Yes, students can improve their grades through various means such as extra credit, reassessments, and additional assignments.
- What happens if a student fails a class?
- If a student fails a class, they may need to retake it or attend summer school, depending on the school’s policy.
- Are there any accommodations for students with special needs?
- Yes, schools provide accommodations and modifications to support students with special needs.
- How are grades used in determining student advancement?
- Grades play a significant role in determining whether a student advances to the next grade level.
- Where can I find more information about the grading policy?
- More information can be found on the South Carolina Department of Education’s website.
Resources
Here are some valuable resources for understanding South Carolina’s grading policy:
- South Carolina Department of Education: Offers comprehensive information about state educational policies and standards. Visit Website
- South Carolina Academic Standards: Details the academic standards and expectations for students at each grade level. Learn More
- Parent’s Guide to Grading and Reporting: A resource for parents to understand the grading and reporting processes. Download Guide
- Student Support Services: Information on services available to support student learning and achievement. Explore Services
Grading Policy for Schools in South Carolina