Richards speaks with Maine Public for report on proficiency-based diplomas
Chris Richards, director of recruitment at the University of Maine, was interviewed by Maine Public for the report, “Maine families concerned about proficiency-based diplomas hurting kids’ college chances.” As educators in Maine continue the transition to new, state-mandated proficiency-based diplomas, some have swapped out the traditional letter grades to numbers, according to the report. Richards said colleges have always dealt with unusual grading systems from private or progressive school. “Some schools may have five different grading scales at one school,” Richards said. “One’s a seven-point scale. One’s five. One’s four. And you’ve got to decipher all of that and work through that to make the best choice for a candidate.” To do that, he said, UMaine relies on more than just grades, including extracurriculars, letters of recommendation and standardized test scores. Richards said counselors also are in constant contact with area high schools to stay up-to-date so they can understand these new grading systems and accurately assess students. The Bangor Daily News also published the Maine Public report.