From

Degrading to De-grading

26 August 2012

Alfie Kohns article proposes a convincing argument for why grades should be abolished in schools. Personally, I always hated the grading system, especially in high school. GPAs were a huge focus, as well as class rank. As an ROTC student, my GPA was lowered because it was considered a college-prep class and, therefore, was weighted less. I gained leadership skills and life skills that no other class offered. However, none of that mattered when it came to the grade point average. My entire educational career has been focused on getting an A. I always felt inadequate if I failed to make the highest grade. I, too, am guilty of choosing easier assignments in an effort to make a better grade. The essay completely convinces me that grades should be abolished. In our class I feel like that in regards to our writing, grades are not as important as honest feedback. The bulleted structure of the essay clearly defines each reason why grades are damaging. The author has a clear appeal to common sense and students overall. Students would benefit from a grade-less system hands down.