Björklund: New grading scale fairer

The Bill means that in the future the grading scale in all types of schools will contain six levels, A-F, and a seventh coding, a horizontal dash. The five levels A-E will stand for pass results and level F will be for results that are not passes. If there is no basis at all for an assessment, no grade will be given, and this will be noted with a horizontal dash.

"For the sake of pupils I want it to be easier to reach the next grade level. The new system will be fairer and I am pleased to be able to present a proposal that has strong support among the bodies consulted," says Mr Björklund.

Facts

The grading scale

The grading scale will have six levels, with five grades, A-E, for results that are passes and one grade, F, for results that are not passes.

If there is no basis at all for an assessment because of extensive absences, no grade will be given, and this will be noted with a horizontal dash.

The grading scale will be related to objectives and national grade criteria will be issued for the highest, middle and lowest grade levels for pass results, i.e. for grade levels A, C and E.

The numerical values of grades will be set on a scale where grade E is given the value 10 and the value then increases by 2.5 for each grade level. The value of the highest grade will thus be 20. A result that is not a pass, i.e. grade F, will continue to be given the numerical value of 0.

Types of schools

The Bill applies to all types of schools in education for children and young people as well as adult education.

However, in compulsory school, upper secondary school and adult education for students with learning difficulties only the five grade levels for passes will be applied in setting grades.

The Bill does not contain any proposals on grades from year 6 of compulsory school. The Government has already stated that grades will be compulsory from year 6 and that policy still stands.

The process

No proposal has been presented as to when the new grading scale can enter into force because the timetable depends on other reforms and decisions, such as the new upper secondary school. The new grading scale is expected to be introduced in compulsory school and upper secondary school in the 2011/12 school year.

The Government intends to instruct the National Agency for Education to produce new syllabuses with grade criteria.