MCPS's New Grading Policy

This 2025-2026 school year, a new grading policy was enforced in Montgomery County Public Schools. Many students have been informed of this “Return to Rigor” plan, and many express different opinions and feelings towards it; concern has been the most prominent. However, there has been a shift in academic behavior and mindset as a result of this new grading policy. 

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Previously, semester grades were based on a grade calculation table where a student's higher marking period letter grade could determine the final grade. While this system reduced student stress and fostered a sort of “safety net” for their grades, it ultimately was the cause of several issues. This includes MCPS’s grade inflation, inconsistency, and unpreparedness for college.  MCPS implemented this new policy to increase rigor and accountability within students’ academics. 

Key details of the new policy:

• Final grades are now the numeric average of all marking period (MP) grades

• A student must demonstrate progress on an assignment to receive a grade of 50%. A zero will be given if no progress is shown.

• Teachers are required to provide at least two reassessment opportunities for most assignments

• Students have a maximum of 10 school days after the original due date to submit late work, and no late work will be accepted during the final five days of a marking period.

So, what are people saying? Kids definitely feel the pressure and weight from the change. It is too early in the year to notice a decline or improvement in students' grades, but there has been a difference in student motivation. From personal observations from my school, students in class are working much harder in both quarters. Many students put in vigorous effort during one quarter but slack off in the next. While these policies are effective in student’s behavior, it has also resulted in increased academic pressure and mental strain on students.  

MCPS’s new grading policy strives to accurately document and report student achievement. So far, it has strengthened the expectations for student learning while also strengthening the intensity and demands of students. It’s been roughly three months since the school year started, and MCPS’s new policy continues to stand after numerous testimonies against it. As the year continues, many wonder how it will impact academic outcomes.

Written by Dillian Mogot (MCR-SGA Press Deputy)

Published by the MCR-SGA Communications Department