Why We Should Have Letter Grades

Improved Essays
“I think labeling someone’s intelligence with a letter grade isn’t a sign of ability,” stated Katie Kacvinsky(“Best”). Some people say schools should use letter grades because it motivates us to get honorable grades and to keep the tradition. However, it is not as effective since it does not reflect on students’ learning. Therefore, like pennies, even though letter grades are our tradition, since it is not reflective, schools shouldn’t keep on using it. According to an education expert Alfie Kohn, "letter grades are not only unnecessary but harmful” (Long). Research shows that the students receiving letters and percentage grades do not try to master what they learn, but only seeks better grades. Also, it does not reflect on the students' learning and improvements. Instead of showing only letters and numbers on report cards, students should receive standard-based report cards, which have information about their progress on various standards.

A student named Claire expressed, “I remember the first time that a grading rubric was attached to a piece of my writing….Suddenly all the joy was taken away. I was writing for a grade — I was no longer
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Most of the parents become irate and urge them to study, not knowing what the problem. At a few schools, some teachers are using a software that sends letters to the parents of their students learned, their weaknesses, and how to improve them. The parents who received the letters felt more involved with what their child learns (Grinberg). If the parents know what their student learned and how well he/she does in class, that can become an accessible way the parents can know about what their child is learning and help them if they struggle or deal with problems. In summary, standard based grading can help a parent connect to their child’s

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