The Unspoken Impact of Unspoken Expectations
{Mary W.}
As technology advances and we find ourselves in a world with hyper-intelligent computers, it's safe to say our push for education in developed countries grows. Obviously, people still find themselves with an antiquated education system that does not measure up to the high status quo of today.
I decided to research a little about the attribution of letter grades. According to websites from schools like the University of North Carolina or Lane College, a C (around 75-80%) meant "satisfactory" and "acceptable". B's (81-88%) were viewed as "a strong performance demonstrating a high level of attainment for a student…" There seemed to be a disconnect between what these grades are supposed to mean and how we view them. I usually relegate tests in the 80s range to failure, while apparently the B meant a "strong performance". Only A's and high B's are usually seen as acceptable while C's fall into the abyss of failed expectations.
Have we forgotten that on level means what it says? You are taking what most students take in that year. Even above level has been taken down to an average because so many people are taking it, with on level then seeming to be a lesser course. To be on level is great because you're working on the normal grade level curriculum for your age. But now, since a plethora of students have been getting smarter as the focus shifts towards education, there is a bigger gap between our courses. I met a 6th grader taking Geometry. Imagine that! In 6th grade, I was taking Pre-Algebra. Within two years, students have been taking higher- and higher- level classes. This student was senrolled in a math course 4 grades above the on level. I felt embarrassed, that I who was supposed to be smarter and older, was taking the same class as him.
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I am very lucky to find myself in a highly ranked school. Not one of the top 10 schools in America, but respectable. In courses, particularly math, the new norm is above level math. Whenever a classmate mentions that they take on level math, people seem to be a little disdainful.
Now, it’s great that we've been challenging ourselves and learning more. However, I believe that the pressure placed on students from classmates and parents can add to the heightened stress we face.