Grade Inflation

Words: 949
Pages: 4

Over the last decade, there has been controversy over the inflation of grades at multiple academic institutions around the nation. Some believe that grade inflation is necessary and beneficial for the future generation. While some find it unnecessary and to have dire consequences. But, with all the facts and evidence being given to us by top professionals, it is obvious that grade inflation is a troubling issue that has persisted for too long in our education system. The inflating of grades is deteriorating the quality of education, and is creating a force of unqualified "professionals." In the future, we are counting on these "professionals" to do many tasks for us, such as: building a bridge, filing our taxes, fixing our teeth, or even as …show more content…
Stuart Rojstaczer, a former professor of geophysics at Duke University with a PhD in applied earth science, spent a lot of time researching school's public data on grades. He then created a website (gradeinflation.com), and through this website he was able to prove that grades have indeed been inflated nationwide. He states "the average GPA at public schools is 3.0, with many flagship state schools having average GPAs higher than 3.2. At a private college, the average is now 3.3. At some schools, it tops 3.5 and even 3.6. "A" is average at those schools! At elite Brown University, two-thirds of all letter grades given are now A's" (Rojstaczer). Not only does this show the unusually high grade point averages at these institutions, but it also shows how ones socio-economic level can affect their education. A 2012 study from the University of Minnesota published in “Psycological Science: The Role of Socioeconomic status in SAT Grade Relationships and in College Admission Decisions” was based on the 2006 College Board data. In the study, more …show more content…
It is essential for employers to know what type of employee they are hiring. Professor Rita Kahn, an English professor at Cal Poly Pomona addressed her class in the beginning of the year about what exactly constitutes an “A”. To paraphrase what she said, she stated that an “A” is only given for truly outstanding work, while a “B” is for good work, leaving “C” as just average. Professors from many institutions should adopt this same grading mentality when approaching a student’s work. By passing off students with undeserved grades, they are being pushed into the next level which they are unready for. This becomes a cycle ultimately until graduation. By students graduating with inadequate skills/training, we are sending a wave of unprepared "professionals, creating a new low standard for what it means to be a professional. When an employer is hiring a recently graduated student, they more than likely will ask for a transcript. Employers trust that the transcript being given to them is credible and an accurate portrayal of the skills and abilities demonstrated by the