I read with dismay the article on school grading systems, which reported that most teachers are opposed to letter grades (“Parents fault way schools grade kids, Some want return to A-to-F system,” Page 1, Aug. 27).
This view is part of the “dumbing down” phenomenon, which has greatly harmed our educational system.
Although this purportedly has been done to improve kids’ self-esteem, in reality it only gives them a false sense of self-worth.
The real world grades people in one way or another.
Once those children who haven’t received letter grades enter the real world, they will fall flat on their faces.
Quarterback Joe Montana was benched in high school, college and the pros.
His coaches wanted to make him a better player.
Self-esteem is developed by learning to cope with failure, not by hiding from it.
