More levels in new grading scale

The proposal means that in the future the grading scale in both compulsory and upper secondary school will contain six levels and a seventh coding. The five levels A-E will stand for results awarded passes and level F will be for results that are not passes. In addition, a dash will be given if there is no basis at all for making an assessment.

"For the sake of pupils I want it to be easier to attain a higher grade. Today many pupils wonder why the Pass grade is given for very different results. The new system will be fairer," says Jan 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 grade 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 proposal covers 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 pass levels will be applied in setting grades.

The proposal does not contain any legislative proposals for grades from year 6 of compulsory school. The Government already stated in the Budget Bill for 2007 that grades will be compulsory from year 6. This is still the intention.

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.

The proposal is described in the ministry memorandum A new grading scale that will soon be circulated for consultation. Following consideration of the consultation responses the proposal will be processed in the Government Offices, after which the Government intends to present a bill to the Riksdag.

The Government will also instruct the National Agency for Education to prepare new syllabuses with grade criteria.