As the semester wraps up, a familiar foe returns to haunt students and teachers across MN alike. Choruses of pleas and tears fill the halls as teachers enter final semester grades. And they wouldn’t be complete without the most dreaded annual tradition: rounding.

Students cautiously enter their teachers’ rooms, with reluctant hope for a better grade. With their percentages on the unique seven-point grading scale implemented by Millard Public Schools, they wish for the elusive opportunity to maintain the grades they hope for.

But it is a strange situation that many students across the country never have to experience. Our district’s arbitrary grading scale makes life increasingly difficult for students.

While most high schools use a 10-point grading scale, meaning an ‘A’ is any percentage between 90 and 100, our district has implemented a 7-point one, in which just percentages between 93-100 are considered an ‘A’.

These scales are functionally equivalent, yet the small difference of 3 percentage points for a desired grade can generate significant heartbreak for our district’s students.

Millard is once again discussing a switch to a 10-point grading scale, and it’s time we actually go through with it because it will benefit both students and teachers.

A key reason for making the switch is to better prepare students for college. According to a May 2023 Harvard Graduate School of Education article, nearly all universities across the United States implement a variation of the 10-point grading scale.

It seems out-of-place for a district that prioritizes college preparation not to align its grading standards with the structure in most higher education institutions.

Furthermore, it is counterproductive to hold middle and high school students to higher standards than they will be held accountable for in college.

While some might argue that this grading system is responsible for Millard’s numerous educational achievements and rigorous academic standards, this can easily be disproved by examining other districts across the state.

High schools across Lincoln Public Schools, Westside School District, and Papillion La-Vista Schools all implement a version of a 10-point grading system.

These schools all maintain similar educational standards to Millard and perform at a similar level on state-wide tests, receiving similar distinctions from the Nebraska Department of Education.

Implementing this shift will not only benefit students by better preparing them for higher education but also benefit students who might be struggling with their courses.

Specifically, by lowering the grade required to pass from 69% to 60%, students who simply are trying to get through their classes will be able to achieve their goals without as much stress.

This change will additionally be beneficial for students’ mental health, as they won’t have to overstress about gaining a few more percentage points just to get the grade they desire.

It will also benefit teachers by moving away from the rounding system that many feel pressured to use, allowing students to receive the grades they earn.

Another important factor to consider is equity. The current 7-point grading scale disproportionately impacts students from underprivileged backgrounds who may face additional challenges outside of school.

These students often struggle to meet the higher thresholds required for each grade under Millard’s grading scale, placing them at a disadvantage compared to peers in districts using a 10-point scale.

By adopting a more lenient grading system, Millard can help level the playing field and provide all students with a fairer chance to succeed.

This step aligns with the district’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all learners.

Ultimately, adopting a 10-point grading scale is a win-win for students and teachers alike. It fosters a more supportive learning environment, aligns with the realities of higher education, and reduces unnecessary stress for everyone involved.

The time for Millard Public Schools to make this change is now. Doing so will ensure the district continues to uphold its reputation for academic excellence while prioritizing the well-being of its community.