Updated 5/29

Grade Calculator

Loudoun County Public Schools has created a Final Grade Calculator to help families understand the grade-calculation process for 2019-2020. This calculator will allow families the ability to enter their student’s first-, second- and third-quarter grades to see how each of the three possible grading scenarios, approved by LCPS during COVID-19 school closure, will impact the final grade a student will receive in June. The highest possible calculated grade will be posted in PVUE/SVUE for families to review prior to teachers applying any grade improvement from work submitted during the fourth quarter. To view written directions and a video guide for the Final Grade Calculator, click here

Updated 5/19/2020

FINAL GRADES AND RANK

1. Families can elect to convert a final grade from A+ through D- to P for any secondary course.

a. Families will submit Permission Click forms electronically to school staff to request the change.

1. School year 2019-2020 seniors and juniors who elect to convert to a P will be EXCLUDED from rank during their senior year. Their final transcripts will not reflect class rank.

2. Current 6^th through 10^th graders still have a majority of their HS careers left, with rigorous courses and AP/DE classes with greater weight on GPA to come. They have not yet been ranked, and have many opportunities ahead of them to impact their GPAs (and rank). The P will not exclude them for rank during their senior year.

   • 1. Taking a “P” for a B- now may seem like a good idea, but if the student averages Cs for the remainder of their HS courses, it would not be beneficial to convert to P. Similarly, it would be beneficial to convert to a “P” if the student averages As and Bs as they progress through more difficult courses.

3. Families should consider the option to convert a final grade from A+ through D- to P carefully as it impacts GPA, rank, NCAA eligibility, Thomas Jefferson High School admissions and college entrance evaluations.

• • 1. LCPS asks that families contact an admissions officer at their child’s respective post high school institution for more information.

Final Grades

March 11, 2020 was the effective last day of school due to LCPS closure of schools on March 12 and 13, and Governor Northam’s subsequent order to close schools for the remainder of the year. VDOE has provided guidance to school divisions on awarding credits toward graduation and continuity of learning for all students during the extended school closure. VDOE has also stated that awarding of grades and determining grade point average (GPA) is a local decision. LCPS has considered multiple factors and is focused on equitable practices in determining students’ final grades for the 2019-2020 school year.

The final grade for the course will be determined by the process below that results in the most favorable number grade for the student:

Option 1

Student receives a numeric grade based on the following calculation: The average of the Q1, Q2, and Q3

GPA is calculated using this final grade.

This option would be used for all elementary school students, as they do not receive a Semester 1 grade.

Option 2

Student receives a numeric grade based on the following calculation: The average of S1 and Q3

GPA is calculated using this final grade.

Option 3

Student receives a Semester 1 grade and a Pass or Fail for Quarter 3 and Final Grade.

GPA is calculated using Semester 1 grade.

Resulting grades will be shared with families and students. At that time the option for the numeric grade or Pass/Fail will be given to the student and family.

If a parent/guardian does not provide input, if the student’s final grade in a course is detrimental to the student’s GPA, the grade will be Pass/Fail. If the student’s final grade enhances the student’s GPA, the letter grade and resulting GPA will be maintained on the student’s transcript.

Teachers may adjust a student’s final grade based on Quarter 4 work done by a student if the student shows improvement or progress compared to that student's previous work. In other words, student improvement during Quarter 4 can lead to an improved final grade. A student’s final grade cannot be lowered based on Quarter 4 work. Department chairs and teacher leaders in each school will set consistency guidelines. Staff is working with principals and teacher leaders to develop guidelines on this.

Details regarding the timeline for determining final grades and electing a pass/fail option will be shared at a future date.