New school year brings change to 10-point grading scale
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The school year kicking off Monday across South Carolina brings a new 10-point grading scale for high schoolers, impacting who qualifies for scholarships, sports, or just a passing grade.
Since 2000, the thresholds had been 93, 85, 77 and 70, respectively.
State schools Superintendent Molly Spearman calls it a common-sense change that allows students to fairly compete for college entry and scholarships, while also providing consistency to the state's many military transplants.
Critics contend the change lessens the value of a diploma, since a failing grade lowers from 69 to 59.
The state Department of Education encouraged districts to also make the switch in middle schools but left the decision to local school boards.
By 2023, roughly 13,000 additional students could be earning HOPE, LIFE or Palmetto Fellows scholarships, according to Commission on Higher Education estimates.
The South Carolina High School League, which makes the rules for high school sports, has made no eligibility changes, said commissioner Jerome Singleton.