Naugatuck High School students will have to attain higher marks in order to pass classes than they currently do.
The current benchmark to pass a class is to attain a grade of 60 or better. Starting next year, the passing bench mark will be a 70.
Principal Jan Saam told the Board of Education Thursday that she doesn't believe a grade of 60 to pass aptly prepares students for life beyond high school.
"If we're giving them a diploma saying they only know 60 percent of the material, what are we really saying?" she said. "I think we are doing them a disservice" by setting the bar so low.
The school board unanimously approved the measure, which means it goes into effect in September. Saam said there may be some students who may not pass because of the new grades, but she anticipates that students who would be in jeopardy will work harder to meet the new standard.
Board of Education member Glenn Connan couldn't agree more. He stood and applauded Saam for the plan Thursday.
"I feel like the lower the standards, the lower the performance," he said. "But the higher the standards, the higher higher the performance will be."
Board member Diana Malone said she believes this new standard better prepares students for college.
Several students from Naugatuck High School "favorited" the message on Twitter about the new grading system when Naugatuck Patch posted it Thursday night.
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