High School Students Will Choose One Letter Up or ‘Pass’ Semester Grade

High school students will have the option to choose between a “pass” or a letter grade for their final semester grade, the Montgomery County Board of Education voted 7-1 on Tuesday. 

In the third quarter, students received letter grades. In the current fourth quarter, students will receive a grade of either “pass” or “incomplete.” Under the new grading system, if students pass the fourth quarter, they can choose a final semester grade one letter higher than their third quarter grade, or a “pass.”

For example, a student who received a B in the third quarter and passed the fourth quarter can choose an A or a pass for their semester grade. A student who got a C in the third quarter and passed the fourth can get a B or a pass. 

On May 6, State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon announced at a press conference with Gov. Larry Hogan that Maryland public schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year due to COVID-19.

Watch the school board meeting:

About Maryam Shahzad

Maryam is a reporter with Montgomery Community Media. She graduated from the University of Maryland in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism. Previously, she was an intern with MCM. She can be reached at mshahzad@mymcmedia.org or on Twitter @maryam_mcm.

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