Grading in primary school

Now, I’m not an expert in this subject, far from it. I’m not up to date regarding the latest scientific studies and theories, which, if I were, would probably change my views on the subject. There are lots of people that are smarter and more informed than me that are discussing this issue as I speak (or write, rather). However, it has been a while for the most of them since they were in primary school themselves, so they can’t rally relate to th children of today. They might have children of their own, but that’s not the same. For me, it has been around 10 years (wow) since I finished primary school. I received my first grade in the 8th grade, but personally, I think that it was to late. I think grades in the later part of primary school do more good than harm.

One of the main arguments against this, taken from the teacher’s blog, is that children should be allowed to be children for as long as possible. I agree to some extent, but not completely. Life is hard, and children need to be taught this. School itself is an institution that confirms this. By forcing children to school in the first place, we take away big parts of the freedom of childhood. Nevertheless, I think that seven-yes-olds aren’t ready to be graded and understand the consequences, while ten-year-olds are much more capable of dealing with grades. This is why I believe that grades from the 4th or 5th grade and up are beneficial on the whole.

Grades serve a purpose. It forces teachers to put their estimation of a pupil’s progress on paper. It is very definite and is a good reference point for teachers and parents discussing the performance of the child in question. If the child has performed well, there is not a problem. If the child has performed badly, however, a level of finesse is required. It is true that an insecure child might fall into a negative spiral when confronted with harsh facts. That is why focus must be not at what has been less satisfactory, but rather on all the possibilities of improvement.

Also, grades make the pupils realise that school is important. It isn’t just another place to meet friend and be rude to adults. If they prioritise other things, there will be consequences. If they are introduced to grades before the oh so turbulent puberty, they might learn to prioritise right. As it is now, in some schools it is cool to get bad grades. Why? I don’t know exactly, but a hunch is that when faced with teenage problems first and then grades, the grades will fall in the holes between trying to fit in and trying to look good for the boys or girls. I’m not saying that grades will ever reach the same level of importance, but it might raise their status a little, if they are introduced earlier.

I think that pupils need to be told that they are performing badly in school without the teachers bitching about it all the time. Sporadic reminders during the semesters and grades at the Christmas and summer brakes – that is the best way for this. At least that’s what I think.