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Analysis Of The Dangerous Myth Of Grade Inflation By Alfie Kohn

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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 It would be an understatement to say that this reflects a simplistic and outdated view of knowledge and of learning.”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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Many times an article can be looked over, and not taken very seriously when it seems as if the author has no proof or evidence. With this being said Phil Primack wrote the article “Doesn’t Anybody Get a C Anymore?” Where he from the beginning established that there was a problem when he explained how a student said a B was a “low grade.” Primack used a lot of quotes from other people and professors that validate his main claim, and the points he is making. A similar article is Stuart Rojstaczer article “Grade Inflation Gone Wild” where he clearly states the problem of grade inflation.

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He utilizes tools such as rhetorical situations and rhetorical appeals to persuade his audience. Overall, Rojstaczer is effective in utilizing rhetorical situations, ethos, and pathos in his article. However, he is ineffective in using logos to persuade his audience on why grade inflation is wrong and is need of their participation to initiate change. The main topic of the article is how grade inflation is not helping students and is a detriment to their future.

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