The abolition of school grading at the Henri-Beaulieu school has drawn criticism. Teachers reacted by asserting that “grades are not a law of life”, but that they are part of a harmful “meritocratic ideology”. If the training of students must take into account their particular paths, formal evaluation, not. The grades indicate their ability to meet requirements necessary for systemic learning in any discipline. They make it possible to verify that the student has mastered the knowledge deemed essential for his future life.
The stress associated with the rating does not justify its abolition. School is full of sources of stress. Should we abolish physical education classes for those who fear them? Abolish face-to-face classes for those who suffer from anxiety in contact with others? School is a learning and socialization environment that prepares for adult life. This is not free of stressors, including several markers of success. Teachers and students must adopt a healthy attitude towards performance: going beyond one’s own limits, acquiring knowledge are in themselves achievements. Poor performers should not inspire intransigence from teachers, but be encouraged to progress.
Grades do not punish error, but reward rigor and precision. Taking risks and trying to follow through on an idea have certain merits, but fairness and accuracy are supreme values. The authors want the slightest attempt by the students to be rewarded and they are not wrong since it is by forging that one becomes a blacksmith. But these efforts only make sense if they aim to acquire knowledge or improve know-how. Students should be encouraged to recognize the value of effort and correctness, cultivate in them the desire to progress and care for accuracy, self-indulgence and the patience required for a job well done. .
Finally, teachers do not have to evaluate “the individual merit of their students”, and moreover, they do not have the skills to do so. The merit of a person, in fact, does not depend on his ability to meet academic requirements. However, teachers must assess this ability, which is important for the smooth running of our society and for the future of students.
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