Numbers and Letters

by Rachel Powell

An A for you, 75% for you, and an F for you. We are judged and criticized by random numbers and letters. And it makes me wonder why we care so much about them. I think that we shouldn’t have grades in schools anymore. 

They say that grades are used to motivate kids to do better and for students to be able to gauge where they need to improve. But in the long run, grades just tear students down. Those numbers and letters judge you and work, sometimes telling you that you are good enough. If they don’t see an A in all of their classes, there is a slight tinge of embarrassment and disappointment. They want to be good students; they want to impress their teachers and parents, but like all humans, they just can’t be perfect. But we are graded on how perfect our work is anyway. 

I think that if we didn’t have grades, students’ work and attitudes would improve. Students would be able to show real talent because they are not totally focused on meeting the requirements so they can get a good grade. They would be focused on learning and actual skills they will need for the rest of their lives. 

A no-grading system would also benefit teachers. There would only need to be one job in the classroom, the most important, helping the students learn. Some teachers may argue that grades are used to see how good a student is and where their education could take them. Well, that is straight up judging the students. The students can prove to you how good they are in so many other ways than just getting a written A on their paper. They can show that with true talents and potential. 

Now, I know that if there were no grades, then students may see no point in coming to school. But, there can be other consequences than writing an F on their paper. 

You say it can’t be done, just like everyone says to anything that’s hard. But just watch and you’ll see. There is more potential here than you think.