It's an interesting discussion at least. No one is saying that students should be free from evaluation, but a growing number of educators around the country are recommending the abolishment of the "A" through "F" scale of grading. Part of the talk comes from the "accountability" movement, which argues that there should be a valid national standard of student learning.
Others are concerned about grade inflation. The grade of "C" is disappearing at many colleges, for instance. The phenomenon is reportedly most common at selective schools, where failure is rare and whose students tend to earn a preponderance of high grades. But grade inflation is a concern at open admissions institutions as well.
This was the hot topic at a recent workshop of the American Association of Colleges and Universities. One panelist noted that some prestigious law schools have moved away from grades, implementing a portfolio technique instead. This would seem to argue against the idea that grades are necessary because the professional schools expect them.
Many panelists were understandably concerned about rigor. One participant responded that abolishing grades promotes rigorous standards.
The discussion is covered nicely in a recent issue of Inside Higher Ed. Here's the link for free access.
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