The approaching grading scale changes at Brookfield Central have sparked many discussions among teachers and students. Under this new grading scale system, 90% and above would count as an A, replacing the prior 92.5%. This shift in grading has sparked many questions, from how and why the change was made, to what impact it will have on students’ grades and workload. As the school will be making this change in the 25-26 school year, it is important to be informed as it will have a major effect on students. 

Mr. Gruetzmacher (Brookfield Central’s principal) mentioned, “Within the school board there are…four or five sub-committees that each board member is on…Finance, legislative, and one called teaching and learning. It was brought up at one of the meetings to see what other schools have for their grading scales.” This is how the new idea was brought into the light after years of using the original scale. He also included that, “When we say other schools we look at what we call our benchmark schools. That would be Homestead, and Whitefish Bay, schools similar in terms of student, social, and economic makeup. It was found that the mass majority, instead of having the 93 to 100, have the 90 to 100 scale.” This is a large factor that supported the decision to change the scale within the school.

One of the most common questions is “If there are changes to the grade scale, will there also be changes to the curriculum?” When we asked this question, Mr. Grueztmacher stated, “No, I don’t believe so…The questions on the tests are based on the learning targets and the standards, and this year, to get an A, you need a 93 and above. Next year, that same test will be 90 and above.” He explains that assignments and the overall curriculum will stay the same, making things easier if you are looking at the surface level. Will changing grade scales be challenging or will adapting be easy? Mr. Gruetzmacher noted, “I don’t think it will be much of a challenge for anyone…Our standards and curriculum remain the same, what an A is, what a B is…will change slightly…The vast majority of assignments and assessments will be very similar to this year. It’s not going to be like, ‘Oh we gotta change this because of the new grading scale.’” In summary, it appears that none of the learning targets or assignments are changing, only the grade given.

The grade scale change in the following school year was carefully determined by the school board administration and Elmbrook community based on benchmark schools. The adoption of the new grading scale should not have much of an effect on workload and curriculum. We are excited to see these new changes for the upcoming year.