For today’s students, the education system feels less like a place to learn and grow and more like an endless loop of pressure. Grades dictate futures, stress overshadows curiosity, and the true purpose of learning is often lost in the need of academic perfection. As debates over traditional grading practices intensify, some are questioning whether the system is doing more harm than good—and calling for change that prioritizes growth, mental health, and readiness for the real-world.
As the conversation around reconstruction grows louder, critics highlight how grades often fail to reflect genuine learning, instead fueling stress and anxiety. Students and parents alike are needing a shift in focus from numerical scores and letter grades to a more holistic approach to education that prioritizes mental health, real-world preparation, and personal growth.
Grading: A Flawed System
Grades have long been a foundation of the education system, determining everything from college admissions to scholarship opportunities. But are they truly effective in measuring student success? Many argue that the system is deeply flawed, creating an environment where grades overshadow the actual purpose of education, which is learning.
Nola Mitchell, a freshman at TVT, said, “I think it should depend less on grades and more on knowing your knowledge.” Mitchell’s frustrations are echoed by research on the traditional grading practices. Studies reveal that non-academic factors, such as neatness or behavior, often affect grades, making them less about mastery of content and more about compliance with arbitrary standards. A single zero on an assignment, for example, can disproportionately affect a student’s average, even if the student shows understanding of the material later on.
Charles Clark, an attorney and parent, proposed a more lenient approach to GPA calculations, particularly during a student’s freshman year. “I think at least the first semester grades shouldn’t be calculated into the overall GPA that colleges look at,” Clark said. “It’s such a big adjustment from junior high to high school.”
Kristina Bijelic, an HR manager, suggested that the rigidity of the grading system doesn’t account for the evolving capabilities and needs of teenagers. “I do think that some of our general
education requirements are probably not necessary for teens you know especially if you know you’re not a mathematician and that’s you know not something that you might wanna focus on in
the future so I think there’s probably too much focus on being really well rounded on all subjects. When you’re a teenager, that can create stress,” Bijelic explained.
The Emotional Toll of Grades
Beyond academics, the pressure to maintain high grades has a profound impact on students’ mental health. The emphasis on performance creates a culture of anxiety, with many students
tying their self-worth to their report cards.
“It’s so stressful, and then I just get mad, you know,” said Mitchell, describing how school often leaves her feeling overwhelmed.
Research supports these concerns, showing that students who base their self-esteem on external validation, like grades, are at greater risk for depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. This issue is particularly prevalent among high school and college students, where academic performance is often seen as a direct reflection of personal worth.
Kristina Bijelic emphasized the importance of including mental health education in schools, “Yeah, I would say probably you know definitely more psychological education would be really good. I
think exposing teens in high school is. You know different types of intelligences because you know the schools are so focused on being booksmart. You know there are a lot of other factors I think just you know being exposed to real world things. So I think just kind of preparing you for adulthood would be beneficial.”
The Gap Between Education and Real Life
One of the most significant criticisms of the current system is its inability to prepare students for real-world challenges. While students may excel at solving equations or analyzing literary
themes, many graduate without the skills needed to navigate adulthood—like managing finances, understanding mental health, or adapting to a rapidly changing job market.
Clark suggested that schools should focus on cultivating strengths rather than enforcing a rigid, one-size-fits-all curriculum. “If you’re gonna be an English major, it kind of stinks that science is
still something that’s super important in terms of weighting your GPA,” he said.
Alternative Models of Success
As dissatisfaction with the current system grows, some schools are experimenting with alternative approaches. Competency-based learning, for example, focuses on students demonstrating skills
and knowledge rather than earning traditional grades. Similarly, mastery-based learning allows students to revisit and refine their work until they achieve a deep understanding of the material.
These models prioritize progress over perfection, providing students with multiple opportunities to succeed. Not only do they reduce stress, but they also offer a more accurate reflection of a student’s abilities and potential.
A Vision for the Future
The education system is vast and deeply entrenched, and reforming it will take time. However, voices from students, parents, and educators are growing louder in their call for change.
For this generation of students, the goal is not just to navigate the system but to reshape it. The future of education lies in a more holistic approach—one that values mental health, emphasizes
individual strengths, and prepares students for life beyond the classroom.
By shifting the focus from grades to growth, we can create a system where students thrive, not just survive. It’s time to move beyond outdated traditions and build an educational environment that truly supports the potential of every learner.
