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Analysis Of The Dangerous Myth Of Grade Inflation By Alfie Kohn

1302 Words6 Pages

Many people today may say that grade inflation is a problem that needs to be changed, while others may say that it is only a myth. Alfie Kohn in his essay, “The Dangerous Myth of Grade Inflation” opens a window for readers to see his personal experiences and issues with grade inflation. Kohn expertly argues his points, so as not only to provoke thought, but also to invite change. It is important to understand that student’s motivation towards grades has shifted in the past few generations. Most are no longer reading, writing, and submitting assignments to learn, they are completing homework merely to receive a grade. In this essay, Kohn suggests that, “The real threat to excellence isn't grade inflation at all; it's grades.” (Kohn, 2002) Even …show more content…

We simply do not have the data to support such a claim.” (Kohn, 2002) There is no good way to substantiate claims that a rise in grades exists. Studies have been performed, and most of the evidence for grade inflation is not validated. Some say that by looking at SAT scores in the past and comparing them to scores today, you can see that there is a drop in SAT scores and a rise in A’s and B’s in schools and universities. But has the SAT ever truly been a good way to evaluate student’s academic abilities? Many teens do not test well, SAT questions are written in a way confusing to students, and the test is taken in high school, before they are exposed to college material. The number of teens taking the SAT has increased significantly in the past few years, further invalidating the statement that overall scores are …show more content…

To say that grades are not merely rising but inflated -- and that they are consequently "less accurate" now, as the American Academy's report puts it -- is to postulate the existence of an objectively correct evaluation of what a student (or an essay) deserves, the true grade that ought to be uncovered and honestly reported. It would be an understatement to say that this reflects a simplistic and outdated view of knowledge and of learning.” Teachers cannot expect their students to be “cookie cutter” models. They are wonderfully unique and they need to be taught and graded with that in mind. The Bible says, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalms 139:14,

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In Brent Staples “Why Colleges Shower Their Students With A’s”, he claims that professors in colleges in the 1990’s are changing their grading on students assignments so much where that they are just passing out good grades when students don’t even deserve them. Colleges have started to change the whole grading system over the years just to make it look like the students are doing better. For example, “In some cases, campuswide averages have crept up from a C just 10 years ago to B-plus today” (Staples 1). There are many reasons as to why they day this.

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