Giving Compass' Take:

• Education Dive reports on research showing that ditching traditional letter grades reduces stress levels and competition among students, levels the playing field for less advantaged students, and encourages them to take ownership of their own learning.

• How does eliminating letter grades benefit schools, not just students? What are the challenges with implementing a new type of grading system? 

• Here's an article on why grades are not paramount to achievement in schools. 

At a time when many states issue letter or number grades to schools, some educators are advocating the abolishment of such practices when it comes to students. Letter grades, they say, cause undue stress in students who become too competitive and miss the joy of education altogether. In fact, some school districts have redefined or abolished the practice of naming a valedictorian and salutatorian for this very reason.

Grades can sometimes stand in the way of learning, and some educators are questioning the need for grades at all. For instance, scientific inquiry and innovation can be stifled if students feel the need to stay on safe ground in order to earn a grade. And to some extent, grades are a subjective measure based on the priorities of the teacher.

Read the full article about getting rid of letter grades in schools by Amelia Harper at Education Dive