School Board Explores Weighted Grades

Board will continue discussion on returning to grade bump in May

By Amy Orr | LB Indy

Another divisive issue drew speakers to the Laguna Beach Unified School District board meeting on Tuesday. Seventeen community members asked questions and shared opinions on the topic of grade weighting at Laguna Beach High School. Many expressed concerns that the current unweighted grades put Laguna students at a disadvantage when they enter the world of college admissions.

Terri Meisberger, the parent of a current eighth grader and two high school graduates, said that neighboring districts still offer weighted honors classes for their students. She questioned Laguna’s 2016 decision to align its course structure with UC standards, since only 13 percent of LBHS graduates choose to attend UC schools.

“Laguna now limits freshmen to a maximum 4.0 GPA,” Meisberger said. “How does this present our kids in the best light for private schools and out of state public schools, and yes, even Berkeley, UCLA, and Cal Poly?”

Three years ago, the LBUSD board voted to remove weighted grades from some of the LBHS honors classes. This decision was guided by the district’s Academic Credit Task Force, a committee composed of administrators, principals, counselors, teachers, and parents. After reviewing LBHS practices, the task force suggested alignment with UC/CSU admission standards.

Board member Dee Perry voted against the policy in 2016.

“I was concerned then and I am still concerned,” Perry said, referring to the competitive nature of college admissions and merit scholarships. “Why would we not give our students every (legal) advantage we can? If they are taking more difficult classes, why not acknowledge that?”

According to resident Amy Kramer, “the Class of 2020 is the first group that will graduate without the advantage of having all honors courses grade-weighted.” To help these, and future students, Kramer launched an online petition to reinstate honors course grade weighting and retroactively change all affected GPAs. As of April 25, Kramer’s petition had 382 signatures.

Cole Hunt, a senior at LBHS, took the podium to say that honors classes are an essential platform to prepare for AP and college courses. In his opinion, “granting honors courses the heavier weighting not only strengthens students’ college prospects, but also allows students to discover what subject areas matter to them.”

Thurston eighth grader Kian Bahramian voiced a similar opinion. Bahramian said he seeks challenges; he plans to take Honors Algebra II next year and he hopes to attend (and double major at) MIT. He believes there should be a grade incentive for a student who takes a junior-level course as a freshman.

Parent John Morreale said Laguna’s current policy is a disservice to kids and gives them the wrong message. Ann Morreale agreed, adding that kids should be rewarded for extra hard work and extra effort.

“Do we put in extra work hours and not get paid overtime?” she asked.

Board members listened carefully to the public presentations. They voiced questions to Superintendent Jason Viloria and scheduled further discussion for the May 28 board meeting. Member Jim Kelly said he was “encouraged and impressed by the involvement and concern of the community in its schools.” President Jan Vickers praised the demeanor of those who shared their opinions.

“The meeting tonight was informative…in contrast to some of our recent meetings and the City Council’s meeting last week, our speakers were considerate and respectful of the speaking time,” Vickers said. “Even with differences of viewpoint, all of us, parents, board member, district staff, are doing what we do to give our students the education that prepares them for college and career and helps them find their path.”