To the editor: Crucial assertion on this article is “statewide, 48.8% of scholars scored superior or proficient in English and 37.3% in math” (“In California, highschool commencement charges soar sooner than scholar studying,” Nov. 13).
I’ve taught for greater than 33 years. The discrepancy between commencement charges and studying can also be the results of grading insurance policies that emphasize passing college students reasonably than precisely assessing mastery of the core requirements solely. Too many college students “squeak by” with grades that embody minimal participation (exhibiting up) and observe or homework (typically checked for completion solely).
Grades don’t inform college students of their ability mastery and, pressured by college administrations, non-assessment grades are recorded early to maintain mother and father “knowledgeable.” The result’s typically a laundry record of observe and evaluation work troublesome for folks and college students to navigate, with many surrendering to Ds as a method to outlive.
Lecturers have to concentrate on instructing and giving suggestions and fewer on grading observe work. There isn’t a satisfaction in a system by which college students develop into level chasers reasonably than learners.
Maggie Gentle, Carpinteria
