RALEIGH - How well Wake County students do on exams could soon influence their grades far more than whether they do their work on time, come to class or how much they do their homework.

School board members debated last week about a proposal from staff to change the way grades are issued so they'd reflect what students know as opposed to their behavior and work habits. In the process, Wake would standardize the way grades are issued, reducing the impact of homework and late assignments on how students rank academically.

A decision on the proposal was delayed to allow more time for public comment and to the staff to gather more information for the board.

But the discussion showed strong differences of opinion among board members who normally agree with each other on issues - such as student assignment.

"If the kid missed three classes or five classes but still got the A on the test and understands the grades, should he be docked because of that?" said board member John Tedesco. "My personal opinion is no."

But some board members worry about the message it would send to students.

"Helping to develop the student, the whole student, is an obligation we have," said board chairman Ron Margiotta. "And behavior certainly impacts the students."

Ruth Steidinger, Wake's senior director of high school programs, said the changes are supported by the secondary school principals. She said they want to reduce inconsistency among grades awarded by teachers.