The proposed bill establishes the Statewide Standardized Grading System Act, which aims to create a uniform grading system across all public, private, parochial, and denominational schools in Nebraska. The bill outlines the need for consistency in grading practices due to the current disparities among school districts, which can lead to inequities for students transferring between schools or applying for scholarships. The State Department of Education is tasked with developing this grading system by December 31, 2026, which will apply to all credit-bearing coursework for grades three through twelve and will include standardized grading scales, consistent rules for grade calculations, and clear guidance for reporting grades on transcripts.
Additionally, the bill mandates that each school district measure academic performance uniformly for all students, regardless of their enrollment status, and requires the publication of the grading scale in student handbooks and on district websites. The State Department of Education will provide training and technical assistance to ensure effective implementation of the new grading system. The act is set to become operative on July 1, 2026, and includes provisions for the State Board of Education to adopt necessary regulations to facilitate its execution. An emergency clause is included, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.