Change to HS Grading System

Philip Bradley
philipb@isb.ac.th

Dear Parents,

We have been reviewing the way in which we assess, grade and report student work in the High School.

Over a period of several years teachers, administrators and counselors have been extensively researching these topics and as part of the process we have consulted with experts in the field, research findings, universities, and other international schools.

Many of you will have attended PTA meetings on the topic and there have also been a number of focus groups. The Board of Trustees has also been kept appraised of this work with three informational meetings.

On March 14th the Board of Trustees approved changes to the HS Grading System that will come into effect in August 2017. Specifically these changes are:

1. Transition from a 13 point (A+ – F) percentage derived letter scale to an IB 1-7 scale that uses learner outcomes and performance descriptors from the IB
2. Transition from a 4.3  GPA scale to a 7.0 GPA scale
3. Transition from a weighted to an unweighted GPA scale

Additional information about the background, rationale, benefits and university recognition can be found in this tri-fold pamphlet which can be printed or read online.

Please note that for the class of 2018 (next year’s seniors) ISB transcripts will be presented with the traditional A-F letter grades so there is consistency of grades for the junior and senior years.

Please refer to the chart below for how transcripts will be presented for each Grade level in 2017/18 and beyond.

Universities we have been in contact with have assured us that a mixed transcript presents no difficulties. University admissions personnel regularly read transcripts and report cards from all over the world.  Currently at least 40% of ISB graduates already leave ISB with a “mixed” transcript (i.e. more than one grading system or school) as students join ISB from other schools.

GPA Calculations (to appear on ISB HS Transcripts)

The rationale for these changes is as follows:

• The number of HS students taking the IB Diploma Program has doubled in recent years to above 70% of juniors and seniors.
• Additionally, all HS students take IB courses.
• Confusion arises when students and teachers are using two grading systems – A through F for ISB grades and 1 through 7 for IB grades.
• Students deserve to know how they are performing with respect to the IB program and IB courses.
• Currently the complexity of converting grades from IB assessments into a 13 point letter scale (each with different percentage boundaries) is very confusing and difficult to standardize. Hence the use of “curves” and adjustments. Simplification is essential so that students comprehend their level of performance and what needs to be done to ensure they reach their academic potential.
• The consistency of communication that switching to the IB scale will bring to our learners is significant and provides students with the most meaningful feedback.
• Teacher comments, grades and student improvement goals relate directly to published IB learning criteria that have direct subject specific meaning.
• Use of the IB scale improves grading consistency within and across subjects in all grade levels.
• IB grades offer universities and colleges an internationally understood and “inflation free” scale which greatly assists in the process of assessing a student’s suitability for a particular school or course.
• All courses are equal and course choice will not impact GPA. This aligns with ISB’s vision to be an inclusive school and allows our students to pursue their passions for learning without penalty. Students will not avoid a passion (eg choir, band, photography) in the future because of a perceived need to maximize GPA.

If you have any follow up questions, please contact the HS administration or a HS counselor. We will also hold an informational meeting for interested parents of students in grades 8-11 in April.

Sincerely,
Philip Bradley
HS Principal