I have often said that one of the main problems in education is that there are non-educators making educational decisions. We see that constantly with the legislative bureaucracy that plagues our schools at every level daily. But… what happens when you have educators making non-educational decisions? Yep, I think that is a thing that is happening more often than we realize. 

Take this, for example… “Citing a wrongheaded “GPA fixation,” Western Oregon University leaders have announced plans to abolish D- and F grades for students. They will replace them with “no credit” in an effort to support student success and encourage struggling undergrads to continue their education despite obstacles, they said.” You can read the entire article here: Oregon university will no longer give D- and F grades

Another article also states, “This is how our educational establishment is choosing to fail our kids upward. And there will be consequences for all of us.” Read the article here: No more ‘D’ or ‘F’ grades? Grade inflation is masking a looming crisis of ignorance

Now, I can hear people saying this is a good thing… Those reasons might be that it reduces the stigma of failing, reduces the stress of having to actually study and do work, eliminates test anxiety, or gives a student an opportunity for improvement if they have a setback. 

Here’s the flip side… I believe this is also happening at the basic school levels of K-12. Maybe not at the extremeness of the college level, but… At what point does lowering standards ever help? Here are a few questions and reasons I do not think this direction is good for education at any level…

Where’s the accountability? Without the “threat” of receiving failing grades, some students may become complacent (see last week’s blog post) and less motivated to put forth their best effort. Almost a “no harm, no foul” mentality. I believe this leads to a decline in academic performance over the long haul.

How will longitudinal performance be assessed? School is a journey. How will future employers, graduate schools, and other institutions that require criteria evaluating students’ academic performance rate the students? This could impact students’ future opportunities, and then who is to blame? It’s going to happen when they get into the “real world,” anyway, where competition exists.

What about feedback? Grades, in general, serve as valuable feedback for students. They gauge understanding of the material and identify areas for improvement. But here is what I find funny… a student is going to get a “no credit” if they don’t get a C or better, which translates to failing. Now, there is “feedback” for you. It’s not like they don’t know.

Grade inflation? Will a GPA even be a thing anymore? This eventually will have serious implications. If failing grades are replaced with a neutral “no credit” designation, how will we ever know who really can do the work?

Limited External Comparisons? What happens when only a few schools do this, and others do not? What will be the standard? How will academic achievements be compared? Here is where the idea of “real world” competition comes back.

Reduced Motivation and Potential for Misinterpretation? At any level of education, it takes little time to find out who is and is not motivated. Where is the motivation to excel? What does “no credit” imply? Will it accurately reflect the reasons for a student’s lack of achievement in a particular course? We will never know. How will it ever distinguish between a lack of effort, comprehension, or extenuating circumstances?

As educational leaders, we have a role to play in modeling a Christian worldview mindset for all. Here are a few Scripture thoughts that come to mind…

Stewardship of Talents: We are encouraged as individuals to be stewards of our talents and abilities. This would include diligent study and application in academic settings (Matthew 25:14-30).

Diligence and Hard Work: There is an emphasizes on the value of diligence and hard work in all aspects of our lives, including education (Proverbs 12:24).

Seeking Wisdom and Knowledge: Pursuing wisdom and knowledge is a recurring theme for the Christian life. We are encouraged to seek understanding and apply ourselves to learning (Proverbs 18:15).

Perseverance and Endurance: Perseverance and endurance are qualities that are encouraged, especially in the face of challenges or setbacks (James 1:12).

Educating our future is too valuable to mess up. The things that matter, you do not leave to chance. That is what we are doing, and once that ball starts rolling, stopping it will seem almost impossible. As educational leaders, we are the ones who should be looking out for students to help set them up for success with accountability and the responsibility. Anything less, tarnishes our role as educators. In the end, we are the ones accountable.

Let’s go fight the good fight of leadership. Someone has to…

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2024 J Clay Norton

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