In British Columbia, the province's move away from letter grades for students between kindergarten and Grade 9 has produced anxiety or has been opposed by some parents and teachers.
In lieu of a letter grade system, the province will use a proficiency scale to assess students up to Grade 9. The proficiency scale model was first piloted in 2016-17, and for the first time this fall all B.C. school districts will implement it on report cards.
The B.C. changes reflect larger paradigm shifts in education. But for many people, letting go of the older model is not easy.
Anxiety and discomfort about this major change could be alleviated by unpacking the rationale behind it.
