Achievement / Grade Point Average
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An analysis of grade point averages indicates that, generally, the highest grade inflation occurs in the lowest achieving schools. This is suggestive of low expectations for those students who most need to have higher expectations. Schools with grade inflation tend to reward low quality work and grades may not reflect actual learning levels.
The Polk County School District grade point average for the 2000-2001 senior class was calculated at 3.01. The mean (average) GPA for the cohort of similar student populations is 2.4, and the effectiveness level is 2.2.
An analysis of student performance data indicates that grade inflation appears to exist in the Polk County School District. While college entrance exam (ACT and SAT) scores achieve effectiveness, scores on norm-referenced tests do not achieve effectiveness in most grades.
To achieve effectiveness for overall Grade Point Average, the district should continue or establish the following practices:
- Establish district-wide criteria for rigorous grading standards;
- Train teachers in the district-wide standards; and
- Use data collection and analysis to monitor student grades and populations of students’ grade point averages.
The benefits of rewarding high quality work and holding high expectations for all students are generally evidenced in lower overall grade point average, high performance on college entrance examinations, and a capacity to achieve at high levels in Advanced Placement and other rigorous academic programs.
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