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Do we really need grades?

If grade levels and grades didn't exist, I think our school system would be better, and the confidence in students would be better. How do you determine if you're better than someone? The easiest answer is by looking at their grades. I cannot tell you how many times people have said to me; "You got a C in history? Well, I got an A!" What, does that mean you're somehow better? No, of course, it doesn't! But some kids use this tool to determine if they are smart or dumb.

The thing is though, getting good grades is not really that hard. All you have to do is memorize a bunch of stuff for a test, and then forget it all to make room for the next test. But I never liked learning like that because...I never learned anything. The only reason we have that system is because we are told to get good grades (which makes you look more educated).

If we didn't have grades, however, I think kids would actually start learning instead of memorizing. The pressure of getting good grades will be gone. And I know that the opposing argument is; "What about GPAs, and prooving to colleges that you deserve to go there?" Well, maybe instead of showing colleges your grades, you show them your potential! The GPA of a student only shows their ability to know what the teacher wants to see, and college is not like that! I don't know why high school teachers are always saying college is hard. Honestly, it's easier than high school. Because here, I don't have to kiss up to the teacher to ensure a good grade. I know what is expected of me, and I try my best to meet those expectations. I can speak freely.

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