Editor, The News:
Re: So long to traditional letter grades (The News, April 12).
Will eliminating the letter grade system in intermediate grades really make a difference?
Many years ago, as a young mother of six- and seven-year-old children, I was not easily convinced that this process would benefit kindergarten and primary students.
Thanks to the principal, I soon understood and supported the change.
Competencies rather than letter grades would create more individualized learning.
But has that change created better educated children, more ready to face high school and life challenges?
Through work experience, I’ve learned that changes can’t be made in isolation. The final goal can’t just be increased participation by parents and students.
What we aren’t hearing about are the resources to be made available to address newly identified literacy, numeracy and creative thinking deficits.
Although the Ministry of Education was involved, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows faced $5.6 million in funding cuts, and will now see increased class sizes and reduced teaching and support staff.
To me, this is the government’s pat on the back with one hand and a slap in the face with the other.
Alternate grading may be an immediate benefit, but adequate funding for learning to be a learner should be equally important.
Debbie Picco
Pitt Meadows
