The 5th progress report grading period of the year comes to an end on Friday and for students in AP Human Geography it’s the first opportunity to see the results of tweaks to the grading system. 

“We changed the grading system from the previous way that we did it. The reason being that previously we had knowledge checks, a lot of them, and frequently,” AP Human Geography teacher Scott Li said. “So what we wanted to do was still cover all the information that we needed to cover, so we increased the weight of each of the knowledge checks and added terms quizzes to them and because of that, they are more comprehensive. As for the tests, we added another terms quiz portion and an FRQ.”

After a unit with this new system in place AP Human Geography students now understand the reasoning as well as the process behind this dramatic change.

“From what I understand we used to have vocabulary and knowledge checks as two separate grades, but now they’re one grade altogether,” freshman Nolan Sow said. “Also, we now have bonus point questions instead of a curve on the test.”

According to Li, students have performed and responded well to this change. 

“For sure the averages are higher,” Li said. “I’d say maybe roughly an average of five to ten points increased, but the specific amount would all depend on that specific student. The extremely high performers are still doing well, this system though has really helped the more average students.”

The system has had positive feedback as it both challenged and eased their minds.

“I think it could go both ways,” freshman Reeyana Rahman said. “The knowledge checks now force you to think harder but the extra points and water falling make it easier.”

Whether or not this new system is easier was debatable amongst students.

“I think that it’s a lot different than it used to be, but I don’t think it’s easier,” freshman Ipek Coskunuzer said. “I feel that it’s meant to challenge us more since we no longer use our flashcards during knowledge checks and since the two have been merged.”