Warren High moves to reward students in rigorous classes

Warren Township High School will change its grade-point system in an effort to reward students who take more difficult classes.

Other changes affecting students will be made beginning in the 2009-10 academic year, including offering an opportunity in certain instances to retake passed or failed courses for better grades.

Gurnee-based Warren District 121 board members voted for the plan at a meeting Tuesday night. Officials gave a thumbs-up after receiving a presentation from Chuck Mauer, assistant principal at the O'Plaine Road freshmen-sophomore campus.

Addressing the grade points currently assigned to advanced placement, honors and regular courses, Mauer said all of the levels are worth a 2 if the grade is a C.

Warren students see a difference when they receive a 4 for a B with advanced placement and honors work, compared to a 3 for regular courses. An advanced or honors A is worth 5 points, above the 4 for regular classes.

"We're looking at a system right now which we feel doesn't reward students for taking more rigorous courses," Mauer told school board members.

In the next school year, said Mauer, there will be a noticeable difference starting when a student earns a C. That grade for advanced placement will be worth 3 points, followed by honors at 2.75 and all others at 2.

Research shows pupils who try advanced placement courses are better prepared for college, said Mauer.

District 121 board members also signed off on allowing students to repeat a failed course or to attain a higher grade. Mauer said students who had a rocky transition to high school would be among the beneficiaries.

"We'd like to give them a break, so to speak," Mauer said.

Students with grades of B- or above won't be allowed to redo a class for improvement.