Implementing the Latin Honor Report Card System: Part Two

February 27th, 2018 /
Shauna Sprunger /
Independence High, News, Programs/Opportunities, Provo High, Schools, Secondary Schools, Teaching and Learning, Timpview High

During the January 9, 2018 School Board meeting, the Provo City School District Board of Education voted to implement the Latin Honor Report Card System. What follows is part two of a two-part series of the research that took place in order to implement this system and the changes Provo City School District will be making moving forward.

Moving Forward

The Board has now voted to:

Continue selecting the Valedictorian and Salutatorian at each high school based on a multi-factor formula;
Beginning in 2017-18, schools will implement a Latin Honor System similar to that used by colleges. A specific grade point average will be required to designate graduates as cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude; and,
Beginning in 2018-19, class ranking will be removed from student transcripts.

Our Laude System

The Laude System replaces the class rank system. Class rank will not be provided to colleges for admissions purposes. Final student transcripts will report cumulative grade point average with an accompanying Laude Distinction. School profiles, as well as the Laude Distinction form, will be provided to colleges to help educate them to understand the system and get a more holistic perspective of our students.

Will Schools Continue to Recognize Valedictorian and Salutatorian?

Yes. Each high school will continue to recognize the top two students at graduation. These students will be identified through a formula that takes into count each student’s cumulative grade-point average, the number of Advanced Placement courses completed, and the student’s composite ACT score.

To Qualify for a Laude Score and Distinction

This system will allow for the recognition of a wider range of students. Under the Laude System, students must meet the following two criteria: The student must minimally have a 3.2 cumulative grade point-average (this grade-point-average is calculated at seven semesters) and must have earned a minimum Laude Score of 19. Once students meet these requirements, they can earn one of the following distinctions: Cum Laude (With honor/distinction) 19 – 40 points Magna Cum Laude (With great honor/distinction) 41 – 63 points Summa Cum Laude (With highest honor/distinction) 64 or greater points Final Laude Scores are based on the cumulative grade-point-average honor points after the 3rd term of the senior year. This information will be used for recognition at the graduation ceremony. If a student’s cumulative grade-point-average changes after the end of year grading period and qualifies a student for a Laude Distinction, the Distinction will be reflected on the final transcript. Additionally, if a student’s Laude Score and/or Distinction are altered (increased or decreased) as a result of final grades, that Distinction will be reflected on the transcript as well.