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Understanding Louisiana Schools New Grading Scale

How will this change impact your family? We've got the scoop!

By Missy Robertson, Publisher Macaroni KID Monroe-West Monroe August 8, 2024

As parents, staying informed about educational changes in our children's schools is essential, especially when it involves something as critical as grading systems. Recently, Louisiana has made headlines with implementing a new grading scale, transitioning from a 7-point system to a 10-point system due to House Bill 424. This change represents a significant shift in how student performance is evaluated, aligning Louisiana more closely with many other southern states that have long adopted a 10-point grading scale.


What’s Changing?

Under the previous 7-point grading system, students received letter grades based on the following scale:

A: 100-93
B: 92-85
C: 84-77
D: 76-70
F: Below 70

With the new 10-point system, the grading scale is now as follows:

A: 100-90
B: 89-80
C: 79-70
D: 69-60
F: Below 60


This new system means that students will have a broader range for achieving higher grades, which can benefit their overall academic performance. 

Why the Change?

One of the primary reasons for this shift is to create a more equitable and standardized approach to grading across the state. Many southern states have successfully implemented a 10-point system, and the move aims to ensure that Louisiana’s students are evaluated on a more commonly understood and accepted scale. By adopting a 10-point scale, Louisiana schools can better align with regional educational standards, facilitating easier transitions for students moving between states or schools.

What This Means for Students

For students, the transition to a 10-point grading scale can have several outcomes:

1. Increased Opportunities: With a broader range of grades, students may find it easier to achieve higher letter grades, potentially improving their overall GPA.

2. Standardized Expectations: This change helps standardize grading expectations across schools, making it easier for students and parents to understand how performance is measured.

3. Impact on Transcripts: As students apply to colleges or move to different districts, having a familiar grading system can simplify the evaluation of their academic records.

The new grading system could certainly offer several benefits, however, nothing is more important than working hard, identifying struggles early on, and seeking help promptly. These essential habits build a strong foundation for academic success and foster resilience and a proactive mindset, which are invaluable in all areas of life.



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