Two Grading Options

Our seminar professor, Dr. Spitzer, has once again asked us to use our blog to discuss an issue. Today it revolves around using an unweighted vs. a weighted grading system. In this fictional scenario, a school system is currently using an unweighted A, B, C, D, F system with G.P.A.'s ranging from 0.0-4.0. This means all courses count equally in your G.P.A. Should they retain this system, or move to a weighted system? What are the arguments on both sides?
I attended a high school where the higher level AP and College Prep courses were really starting to kick into high gear. Students who did well in those courses could achieve a G.P.A. as high as 5.0. If this school system were to make a change, I would advocate for allowing higher G.P.A. levels for higher level courses. I believe it is fair to allow students who are taking courses at a college level to receive more credit than those who are not. I would also consider the creation of higher level electives that could be tailored to individual students. This would encourage students to pursue their creative or personal learning passions, yet still earn credit at a higher achievement level. This would also eliminate the problem of students skipping electives in pursuit of higher grades.
Maintaining an unweighted grading system has its advantages as well. This system allows everyone to be on a level playing field. Students in varying course levels all still have the opportunity to lead their class in G.P.A. An unweighted system also encourages students to pursue course work that interests them and keeps them motivated through the content and not the final grade. When weights are added to specific courses, students will give extra effort in those courses while falling behind in others.
It is important to maintain grades tied directly to student achievement of the course objectives no matter which system is chosen. While effort, behavior, and ability are important factors to consider during the formative assessment phase of school, final grades should be based upon whether the student actually learned what you set out to teach.