Grading scale sparks class controversy

NORFOLK, Va. - Classrooms are a proving ground for students trying to make the grade. But in Norfolk Public Schools, the city's school board faces the latest test.

"I think we did a bad job of putting the word out," said school board member Jim Driggers.

Driggers is one of the members championing a new policy that moves a student's failing grades up to a 61. That is still failing, but a 61 doesn't crush a student's average for the class. The idea is to keep kids trying.

"If you get halfway through a semester and you've got a 40 average," conjectured Driggres, "what's your motivation to continue to even try?"

But critics say it artificially inflates a student's grades. "We're giving students something that they haven't earned," argued Monte Mercer, President of the Norfolk Education Association and a special education teacher.

Mercer joins some teachers and parents who oppose the new policy. She said, instead of giving kids a chance, it could convince students they know things they don't.

"It sounds good on paper and it looks good on paper, but it could've been worked on a little longer," said Mercer.

A copy of the policy document circulated around the school board work session on Wednesday evening at Sewells Point Elementary School. Driggers admitted the wording is ambiguous and that has led to confusion. He insisted students can still get zeroes if they put in zero effort.

"We're not giving anyone anything," pointed out Driggers. "We're trying to keep the kids within striking distance."

Board members said the policy needs work like any change to the classroom. And, as of now, they have no plans to remove it from the schools, even if it hasn't yet passed the test of public opinion.