Modesto task force recommends switching to a proportional grading scale; phased rollout proposed

Modesto City Schools' grading task force presented recommendations May 12 calling for a move to a proportional grading scale intended to make grades more accurate and equitable.

Senior director Danielle Hinkle summarized multi‑year work by teachers and administrators, noting pilots dating back to 2013 and more formal task force sessions this school year. The task force recommended adopting a proportional scale (common examples include a 50–100 scale or a 0–4 scale) to prevent disproportionate penalties for very low or missing scores and to provide clearer intervals between letter grades.

Hinkle described a two‑year implementation plan: 2025–26 devoted to professional development, PowerTeacher gradebook setup and PLC alignment; 2026–27 targeted for full implementation of the revised board policy and administrative regulation (AR 5121). She emphasized teacher leadership in choosing an appropriate proportional model and the need for parent communication.

Trustees asked detailed questions about teacher buy‑in, the role of professional learning communities, and technical obstacles in the gradebook. Trustee Marks pressed for examples and clarity on how scales would be presented to families; several trustees and staff highlighted PowerTeacher/PowerSchool setup as a significant operational hurdle. “If we can figure out PowerSchool, it's easier to bring teachers along,” one trustee said.

District leaders stressed that the proposal is intended to reflect learning rather than behavior, and that teachers would retain professional discretion over grades while working toward greater alignment and fairness. Next steps included presenting a revised board policy and AR 5121 for first reading in June, final board action later in the month, and a communication plan for families and staff.