Overview of Virginia Grading Policy
Virginia’s grading policy is designed to provide a clear and consistent framework for evaluating student performance across the state. The grading system emphasizes transparency, fairness, and a balanced approach to assess both academic achievement and mastery of key skills. Schools in Virginia utilize a combination of traditional grade scales, mastery scales, and standards-based grading to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of student learning.
Grade Scale
Virginia uses a standard letter grade system to evaluate student performance. Below is the grading chart used across most schools in Virginia:
| Letter Grade | Percentage Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97-100 | Excellent |
| A | 93-96 | Excellent |
| A- | 90-92 | Excellent |
| B+ | 87-89 | Good |
| B | 83-86 | Good |
| B- | 80-82 | Good |
| C+ | 77-79 | Satisfactory |
| C | 73-76 | Satisfactory |
| C- | 70-72 | Satisfactory |
| D+ | 67-69 | Poor |
| D | 63-66 | Poor |
| D- | 60-62 | Poor |
| F | 0-59 | Failing |
Mastery Scale
In addition to traditional grading, Virginia schools also use a mastery scale to assess students’ understanding of key concepts and skills. This scale provides a more detailed picture of student progress.
| Mastery Level | Description |
|---|---|
| 4 | Advanced Understanding |
| 3 | Proficient Understanding |
| 2 | Basic Understanding |
| 1 | Limited Understanding |
| 0 | No Evidence of Understanding |
Standards-Based Grading
Virginia incorporates standards-based grading to focus on students’ mastery of specific skills and standards rather than cumulative scores. This method provides a more accurate reflection of a student’s capabilities in relation to the curriculum standards.
| Performance Level | Description |
|---|---|
| 4 | Exceeds Standards |
| 3 | Meets Standards |
| 2 | Approaching Standards |
| 1 | Below Standards |
| N/A | Not Assessed |
FAQs
- What is the grading scale used in Virginia schools?
Virginia schools use a letter grade system ranging from A+ to F, with corresponding percentage ranges. - How does the mastery scale work?
The mastery scale assesses students on a scale from 0 to 4, indicating their level of understanding from no evidence to advanced understanding. - What is standards-based grading?
Standards-based grading evaluates students’ mastery of specific standards rather than overall cumulative scores. - How are grades calculated in Virginia schools?
Grades are typically calculated based on a combination of assignments, tests, projects, and participation, following the standard grade scale. - Can parents access their child’s grades online?
Yes, many Virginia schools offer online portals where parents can view their child’s grades and progress. - What happens if a student fails a course?
Students who fail a course may need to retake it during summer school or the following academic year to earn the required credit. - Are there honors or advanced classes in Virginia schools?
Yes, Virginia schools offer honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes that follow a weighted grading system. - How does Virginia handle grading for special education students?
Special education students are graded based on their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals and accommodations. - What are the implications of a D grade in Virginia?
A D grade indicates poor performance but is still passing. However, it may impact a student’s overall GPA and eligibility for certain programs. - How do schools ensure grading fairness and consistency?
Schools implement grading policies and teacher training to ensure fairness and consistency in evaluating student performance.
Resources
Here are some valuable resources for understanding Virginia’s grading policy:
- Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Website: Comprehensive information on state educational standards, policies, and resources.
- Parent’s Guide to Grading and Reporting: A helpful resource for parents to understand the grading and reporting process.
- Standards of Learning (SOL) Information: Details on the Standards of Learning assessments and their role in grading.
- Special Education Resources: Information on grading policies and accommodations for special education students.
- Student Assessment and Grading Policies: Guidelines and policies for student assessments and grading.
Grading Policy for Schools in Virginia 📚