Act 1660 of 2001 mandates that the ADE identify any school that has a "statistically significant variance" between its students' grade point averages and those same students' performance on the American College Test (ACT) and end of course examinations. The intent of the law is to determine if grade inflation, as measured by this definition, exists in Arkansas public schools. Data currently available only permits this comparison using the ACT.
In order to comply with this mandate, a definition of "statistically significant variance" has been developed and approved by the State Board of Education. This definition focused on the total number of seniors in the graduating class of 2001 who:
1. took the ACT at some time during their high school experience; and
2. had a grade point average of 3.0 or higher; and
3. scored 18 or less on either the math or English portion. (Only the highest score obtained on any test administration was used.)
A Grade Inflation Index (GII) was computed by dividing the number of students meeting criteria 1-3 above by the number meeting criteria 1. Any school having a GII greater than or equal to 0.50 has been identified as having a grade inflation problem.
Local District superintendents of schools identified as having grade inflation are required to review this issue as a regular agenda item with the local school board no later than the second regularly scheduled meeting following notification. A written explanation with proposed actions to remedy this situation must be filed with the local board. Finally, the district must also submit copies of this explanation to the Arkansas Department of Education who will in turn file it with the House and Senate Interim Committees on Education.
Questions concerning the grade inflation report should be directed to Dr. Woodrow Cummins at 501-682-4205 or wcummins@arkedu.k12.ar.us.