On April 4, 2024, there were online posts featuring a graphic from an episode of the daytime talk show “Dr. Phil.” This graphic displayed a “public school grading scale” that appeared to be more forgiving than the typical grading scales in the United States. According to the graphic, an “A” grade was assigned to scores of 84% and above, while the succeeding grades spanned 20 percentage points each, with a “B” falling between 64% and 84%, a “C” between 44% and 64%, and so forth, culminating in an “F” for scores below 24%.
Users on various social media platforms expressed dismay regarding the state of the American public education system, suggesting that this grading scale might have been implemented statewide.
However, several aspects of the post raised doubts. The graphic lacked a specific source, and the grading scale was so unconventional that its authenticity was questionable.
Verification of the Facebook Post:
The authenticity of the post referenced in the graphic and whether it accurately depicted a legitimate grading system remain uncertain.
Although an exact clip from the episode could not be located, it is reasonably certain that the graphic was indeed a screenshot from an episode of “Dr. Phil.” Dr. Phil McGraw used a similar example when discussing the American public education system on a podcast in October 2022.
The episode featuring this graphic likely aired as a rerun in April 2024, as it was originally aired in early 2023. This timeframe made it challenging to trace the origin of the post. Attempts to contact individuals associated with the production of “Dr. Phil” for information on the source of the graphic have not yielded results. Additionally, no matching Facebook post was found.
Given that the supposed Facebook post originated from California, investigations into the grading systems of major public school districts in the state were conducted, including reaching out to the California Department of Education.
While the Los Angeles and school districts did not have publicly available districtwide grading scales, reports and graduation requirement documents indicated the utilization of some form of letter grade system. In , L.A. Unified updated its grading policies for the first time since 2005, emphasizing a shift away from traditional grading practices. However, the episode of “Dr. Phil” featuring the graphic aired prior to this policy update.
Moreover, the and school districts had established districtwide grading scales for middle and high school students that aligned with the standard “A = 90-100%” grading scale commonly used in the United States. Therefore, although the grading scale showcased on “Dr. Phil” may exist within California, it is not indicative of a statewide standard. No response has been received from the Department of Education.
During the investigation, references were found to a grading methodology known as “mastery-based” or “standards-based” grading, which could potentially explain the unconventional scale. The percentages depicted in the graphic could be a result of attempting to convert a mastery-based grading system into a more traditional percentage-based or letter grade format.
While Snopes could not definitively identify the specific scale featured on “Dr. Phil,” the concept of standards-based grading is explored below.
Exploration of Standards-Based Grading:
Sharona Krinsky, an adjunct professor of mathematics at California State University, Los Angeles, and executive director of , provided insights into this methodology.
Krinsky highlighted that traditional grades do not effectively communicate learning but are instead designed for ranking and scoring students relative to each other. In standards-based grading, students are assessed based on their mastery of the instructor’s learning objectives rather than point accumulation. For example, a math instructor might establish goals like understanding parentheses or adding two-digit numbers, with students receiving varying marks (often on a 0-4 or 0-5 scale) based on their comprehension and application of each objective.
While numerical scales are still utilized in standards-based grading, Krinsky emphasized that the focus lies on students’ conceptual understanding rather than numerical scores.
Under traditional ABCDF grading systems, a passing grade typically equates to a C, equivalent to 70%. In contrast, standards-based grading often sets a passing benchmark at a 3, which closely aligns with the range depicted in the “Dr. Phil” graphic, where a C fell between 44% and 64%. When viewed in isolation, such a grading scale may give the impression of lenient expectations for students.
Krinsky emphasized that standards-based grading involves more than just altering the grading scale; it necessitates a comprehensive shift in educational practices. The absence of context in the “Dr. Phil” graphic hindered a clear understanding of how grades were assigned and the standards students were expected to meet.
Converting a standards-based system into a familiar percentage or letter grade scale may not accurately capture the nuanced evaluation criteria. The discrepancy in academic standards could have contributed to the unique grading scale presented on “Dr. Phil.”
Krinsky underscored that critiques of the public education system, including grading scales, often overlook external factors such as budget constraints and political influences that impede educational success. She encouraged parents to approach educational discussions with an open mind and recognize that diverse perspectives can enrich the learning experience for students.
“Parents should be willing to engage with an open mind, and not assume that their way is always the best way,” she remarked. “They’re such powerful advocates.”