At least one school in Iowa is developing a pilot program for a new grading system. Waukee Schools are developing a plan to move away from the traditional letter grade system, to one that more accurately reflects the needs and acheivments of students. Lowell Ernst, Director of Instruction for Pella Community Schools, says the Pella School district isn’t going to replace letter grades, but does have other evaluation methods in place. He says district officials have listened to business leaders to get their input on what skills are necessary to succeed. Ernst says evaluating students in a contemporary, practical way that measures proficiencies in areas necessary to professional success will leave them better prepared to compete in a global job market.