A new grading system for Florida high schools was approved Tuesday by the State Board of Education. Grades are comprised of 1600 possible points. Half come from FCAT components, the others come from new components that include graduation rates, college readiness and accelerated coursework.

Officials with Alachua County Public Schools say the new standards take into account information from the entire year, instead of being based solely on the FCAT like in years past.

"Perhaps this will be helpful to schools and will give a better measure, a more accurate measure of their academic progress," said ACPS Director of Secondary Curriculum Sandi Anusavice.

The new grading system will be used during the 2009-2010 school year.