Spokane students hoping to make straight 4's

By Associated Press

Summary

Parents looking at elementary school report cards this week in Spokane are seeing 4-3-2-or-1 instead of A-B-C-D-or-F.

Story Published: Nov 24, 2009 at 8:04 AM PST

Story Updated: Nov 24, 2009 at 8:04 AM PST

Spokane students hoping to make straight 4's
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) - Parents looking at elementary school report cards this week in Spokane are seeing 4-3-2-or-1 instead of A-B-C-D-or-F.

Schools have switched to a number-based grading system they say better records student standards and assessments.

The Spokesman-Review reports 4 means consistently extending knowledge; 3 means meeting standards; 2 means approaching standards; and 1 means below standards.

After three years of testing at six schools, the new system was implemented this year at all elementaries in the Spokane district.

A learning services specialist who led the change, Tammy Campbell, says number grading gives parents a clearer picture of where their child stands.

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Information from: The Spokesman-Review