Central Iowa School Replacing Letter Grades with New Marks

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Feb 7, 2011 at 8:01 AM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 7, 2011 at 8:01 AM CDT

WAUKEE, Iowa (AP) — No more sterling A's or flunky F's at Waukee middle school.

Next year, the letter grades at the central Iowa school will be replaced by status marks: "beginning," "developing," "secure" or "exceeds" the standards set for various subjects.

According to The Des Moines Register, Waukee teachers say the new marks will provide pupils, parents and educators with more-accurate assessments of students' strengths, weaknesses and progress.

Some Waukee parents are concerned about the change. They say that eliminating the letter grades could weaken motivation and leave their children unprepared for high school, when grades often dictate the paths students will follow after they graduate.

The school board will discuss the changes and address concerns at a school board meeting Tuesday night.

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