Grades versus learning

I have been debating the issue of the the importance of grades with other educators in both high school and university for about two years now. And it still continues...


Are grades all that important? They are just letters assigned to assignments, test or projects that reflect a one time occurrence.

Where does actual learning come into play. Any average-skilled cheater can achieve A's or B's in class and learn very little but how to cheat a little bit better.

Is learning important to students at all or is school all about grades. I understand that GPA and class rank, ACT and SAT scores, and other grade related information are important, but shouldn't the emphasis be on what students have learned and how they can use that learning.

What good is an A in calculus if you haven't learned the skills needed to pass a college algebra course. It is not hard to get an A-.  With a little skill, help from the teacher or classmates and some effort, anyone can do it. But it is the application of those supposedly learned skills that really brings the learning done to light.

Colleges and universities must now offer remedial classes to get high school students caught up in the skills that are lacking, especially in math, reading and writing. How can a student who received a B in writing courses in high school, need remedial classes when in college. Were is the learning that was supposed to take place? With grade inflation and watered-down curriculum, no wonder learning is not occurring.

I realize that change must begin from the top (the real work world and then colleges) and trickle down, but when will that happen? Is the education world so caught up in NCLB legislation and teaching to the test that we have forgotten about real learning? I am afraid that this debate will be around long after I have left the teaching world.. How sad!!!!

Leadership

What makes a good leader?
Is is charisma, charm, good looks, a winning smile, a powerful speaking voice, or is it something that is indescribable?
What traits should one look for in a good leader?
Who are some good leaders from the past and today? Why are or were they so good?
How do students show leadership? Is it important to do so?