INTERPRETATION
 
Interpretation's Date: February 26, 2002
by superintendent Dr. David Stewart
Section: IV. Students
 
Interpretation

February 26, 2002

R. Scott Long
Hendrickson & Long, PLLC
P.O. Box 11070
Charleston, West Virginia 25339

Dear Mr. Long:

This is to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated February 15, 2002 relative to the interpretation of West Virginia Board of Education Policy 2436.10. You stated: "Specifically, I ask that the Policy be read to permit the use of weighted grades in honors courses in determining a student's eligibility."

A weighted grade is that which is given for an honors course in which an "A" mark earns 5 points, a "B" is awarded 4 points, a "C" is worth 3 points, a "D" is given a value of 2 points, and an "F" is worth 0 points when calculating the student's grade-point average. Although Policy 2436.10 does not mention weighted grades, the policy is clear that each letter grade is given a specific numeric assignment on a 4.0 scale without any enhancements.

In particular, Policy 2436.10, §3.1.a., states that "A 2.0 average is defined as a grade-point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better on a scale where an "A" mark earns 4 points, a "B" is awarded 3 points, a "C" is worth 2 points, a "D" is given a value of 1 point, and an "F" is worth 0 points." It further states, at §3.1.b., that "No enhanced value should be given for a "plus" or "minus" designation, such as "B+" or "C-"; all grades with the same letter designation have the same numerical value in the 4.0 scale." As a result, I interpret Policy 2436.10 to prohibit the use of weighted grades from honors courses in determining the GPA of a student for participation in extracurricular activities.

I further note, however, that this Policy has not been revised since the adoption of weighted grades and should more clearly address the issue. As a result, I will instruct the staff here at the Department of Education to review Policy 2436.10 and make a proposal to the West Virginia Board of Education regarding the same.

Hoping that I have been of service, I remain,

Sincerely,

/s/

David Stewart
Superintendent of Schools
DS/rt


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