By Jarret Liotta
The first look at how Staples High School’s Grade-point average (GPA) system will evolve over the next couple of years received low marks tonight from some parents.
Four members of the Board of Education were among those listening to Staples Principal James D’Amico’s presentation tonight. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jarret Liotta for WestportNow.com
Still, Principal James D’Amico, addressing dozens of parents in the school auditorium, said the new measurements would not only keep high achievers on the fast track, but hopefully reduce the competitive and often stress-filled decision-making process of choosing classes.
“There’s an emphasis in the current structure on competition,” D’Amico said, explaining that the academic GPA currently in use only includes core courses in English, math, science, social studies and world languages.
Consequently, students will turn their back on areas of study they may be passionate about solely to up their GPA.
“We value so much more than the courses that fit into these categories, but how does the system show we value them?” he asked.
He said the new system would be more reflective of the philosophy at Staples, “guiding them in a healthy and productive way through these choices.”
While there are no changes affecting the current junior and senior classes, beginning with the class of 2021, the academic GPA will be eliminated entirely and replaced with a weighted GPA that includes all coursework.
Audience members listen to Principal James D’Amico explain forthcoming changes to the school’s GPA system. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jarret Liotta for WestportNow.com
Also the current five-tier system, which includes AP, Honors, and A-, B-, and C-level courses, would be replaced with a two-tier system, grouping AP with Honors, and A, B and C together.
Similar changes have already taken place in many surrounding communities, including Darien, New Canaan, Weston and Wilton.
D’Amico noted that most colleges don’t place much weight on the GPA anyway.
“They want to see students making choices reflecting what they’re passionate about,” he said, adding that most colleges create their own numeric evaluation systems based on the transcripts themselves.
“The majority of college don’t use our weighted GPA,” he said, with the district having done research interviews with 30 of the top schools many Westport students go on to attend.
Yet many parents voiced objections to the change, arguing it was unfair to students who strive to take the Advanced Placement classes.
“I don’t see how that’s fair,” one father said, drawing applause from the crowd when he suggested this change would ultimately cause more stress for youngsters who are exerting themselves more in the area of academics.
Others were simply concerned that the future change had been put in place without more vetting.
“How did we get here?” asked one mother, drawing applause for her comments. “Was there a vote I missed? Was there a discussion?”
D’Amico said he understood it felt abrupt, but that the matter had been under consideration for years and it was viewed as one way to help reduce competitive stress among students.
“I don’t know if you have any empirical evidence to support that,” one father said, adding that the school should reevaluate this decision in favor of more public input.
“There’s a different level of homework required between A-level and C-level,” he said, arguing that if they’re worth equal weight for the GPA score, it would encourage some students to take the easier road.
“The level of a course is communicated on the transcript,” D’Amico said.
“Nobody’s saying we want kids to breeze through and not put in their best effort,” he said.
“By having them choose what they love,” he said, rather than making choices solely to raise their GPA, “(it) gives them a better overall experience.”
Some parents also expressed concern about the timing of the announcement, with students having already made their class choices for next year.
D’Amico said that if students chose classes for the express purpose of buffering their GPA, they would be allowed to return to their guidance counselors to change those classes.
“We will find a way to change that class,” he said.
