ROUND ROCK, Texas – Round Rock Independent School District is making a big change to its grading system.

According to KXAN, starting this year, Round Rock ISD has decided to eliminate "D" from the letter grading scale. Currently, 90-100 is the letter grade "A," 80-89 is a "B," 75-79 is a "C" and 70-74 is a "D." A failing grade is anything below 70.

With this new change, a grade in the low 70s will no longer be classified as a "D." Instead, the student will get a "C." A student's grade point average and class rank will be calculated the same way.

The school district said it decided to make the change to help student-athletes and match a "common practice" of other schools and districts.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association uses letter grades to calculate eligibility and scholarships.

KXAN interviewed a former RRISD graduate who went on to play basketball at the University of Texas. He is not happy with the new grading scale.

"You're kind of setting people up for failure," A.J. Abrams said. "If you get a D and you can't play, that's your own fault."

RRISD executive director of communications Corey Ryan said the change is not about lowering expectations, but leveling playing field.