CCPS unveils formal rubric to re-evaluate honors course weights

Rob Hauman presented a proposed “Honors Weight” evaluation rubric to the Culpeper County School Board on Feb. 23, outlining a transparent process to re-evaluate course weights for high school courses. The rubric scores courses across eight criteria, totals 32 possible points, and requires a 24–32 point range plus minimum scores of 3 on academic rigor and assessment for a course to qualify for honors weight. The division will also apply the rubric to existing honors courses to confirm they continue to meet honors standards.

The presentation listed specific courses submitted for re-evaluation, including Business Management at Eastern View High School and Marketing Management at Culpeper County High School (the “E‑Squared” program), Physics, Sports Medicine I and II, EMT I and II (for non‑dual‑enrollment students), Firefighter I and II, Medical Assistant I and II, and Independent Study Art and Independent Study Art Advanced. Mr. Hauman told the Board that course weights are set when courses are created and are rarely changed, but may be adjusted if a course’s rigor was initially underestimated or has increased over time.

Board members asked questions about process and timing. Mr. Hauman said any approved changes would not apply retroactively; instead, an effective date would be set and counselors notified during student registration. Next steps described included follow‑up with curriculum specialists, instructional team leaders, and teachers for additional information and potential curriculum or assessment revisions, followed by a request for School Board permission to change weights and an update to the Program of Studies.

The Board did not take an immediate vote on course-weight changes during the Feb. 23 work session; the discussion centered on the rubric and the list of courses to be reviewed. The division indicated it will return with recommended changes after completing the rubric reviews and consultations.