Grading In America

A particularly difficult assignment is handed back with a large red C-minus glaring from the top corner. Embarrassed and upset, the student shoves the paper out of sight and does not answer any questions about how the assignment went. People think differently of a straight-A student than one who is usually in the C range. However, although letter grades are heavily relied on, they are so subjective, since a grade of A in one class might translate to a C in another, or vice versa. Which raises the question of why we place so much emphasis on the letter grade. In the article, Mr. Roosevelt discusses how today, students feel entitled to good grades. These students believe that an "A for effort" ought to merit an A. Receiving a C when they tried their best seems like punishment. Jason Greenwood, a student at the University of Maryland, asked, "If you put in all the effort you have and get a C, what is the point?" Mr. Greenwood went on to claim that, "If your maximum effort can only be average in a teacher's mind, then something is wrong." I think he is partially right, although perhaps not in the way he meant. While Mr. Greenwood is arguing that the teacher's grading system is at fault because it is too steep, what is wrong is more likely the necessity the student is feeling to receive an A. If the student's maximum effort merits only a C,
Rowling, their letter grades from highest to lowest are O, E, A, P, D, and T. Reading the books, you have to use the key and translate the letters to their meaning: Outstanding, Exceeds Expectations, Acceptable, Poor, Dreadful, or Troll. While it is somewhat ridiculous to think about a grade of "Troll," this idea is applicable to any grading system: you have to use the key and translate the letters to their meaning. Sometimes an A means acceptable and sometimes it means amazing. The letter is the same, but the meaning is