The Austin Independent School District (Austin ISD) has utilizes an atypical 4 point GPA scale, that detrimentally impacts its students. This GPA scale is non-standard and does not align with the typical 4.0 GPA scales used by most educational institutions in surrounding communities or across the state and nation. Consequently, our students are at a disadvantage when it comes to college admissions, athletic recruitment, scholarships, and merit awards.

College admissions officers, scholarship committees, and award organizations evaluate applicants based on standardized metrics. When Austin ISD students are evaluated using their atypical GPA scale, it creates confusion and misinterpretation of their academic performance. Students from Austin ISD may appear less qualified compared to their peers from other districts simply because their GPA does not translate accurately to the more typical scales.

Compared to the typical 4.0 Scales, AustinISD students’ GPAs are up to 1.0 lower for the same course grades. However, because it is considered a “4.0 Scale”, most scholarship and collegiate documents that solely ask for GPA “Scale Type” will misconstrue AISD’s scale as a more typical 4 point scale.

By not conforming to wellknown standards, Austin ISD is failing to provide its students with equal opportunities. It is imperative that we align our grading system with the national standard to equip our students with the tools they need to succeed.

University scholarships and merit awards often have GPA requirements that students must meet to qualify, and some universities offer automatic merit and/or admission based directly on the high school provided GPA.  As a result, AISD students are losing merit and scholarships solely due to the atypical GPA calculation. While merit and scholarship loss affects all AustinISD families, it significantly impacts the economically disadvantaged students in the district. The atypical scale could inadvertently prevent deserving students from receiving necessary financial support and recognition. 

The atypical 4.0 grade scale is impacting our student athletes as well. Recruiters will often inquire about GPA early in the recruitment process. A seemingly low GPA can reduce chances of being recruited. As a result, AISD student athletes may be missing the opportunity to compete at the college level.

We urge the Austin Independent School District Board and Superintendent to take immediate action in regards to the current atypical 4.0 GPA scale, including:

❖ End usage of the Atypical 4.0 Scale

❖ Replace with a “Common” or “(+/-)” GPA Scale or 100pt Scale

❖ If 100pt Scale, formally document a Typical 4.0 Scale Calculation Alternative

❖ Implement in parallel with SB1191 weighting standardization

❖ Do not change Rank GPA calculation method (or change to a 100 point scale so student ranks are unaffected)

By transitioning to a typical scale, we can ensure our students are evaluated fairly, reflect their true academic abilities and achievements, and maximize their post-secondary opportunities. AISD will better align to collegiate automatic merit and admissions expectations as well as ensure our students are properly and competitively viewed for admissions, merit aid, scholarships, and athletic recruitment. In addition, by providing students with a typical scale, AISD may help reduce the significant, long-term decline in student enrollment. 

Please join us in advocating for a significant change that will positively impact the future of countless students. Sign this petition to demand Austin ISD adopt a typical GPA scale.