Grades, Another Side

Many interesting conversations have arose around the subject of grades. Some say they are harmful to development of children, either by setting a glass ceiling for achievement or by labeling them as failure early on in life. On the other side, some say we need ways of ranking and assessing children in order to ensure they have grasped concepts to move on to the next "level" and to select individuals for higher education. Whether it be a new one or the old one - my view is that some sort of grading system is necessary.

Both pose interesting arguments with valid points on either side; however, it is clear that our current grading system is not effective, that in many ways it does either set children up for failure or stifles creativity. But here is why a type of grading system is necessary.

It seems that each individual is on their own path to enlightenment - some go down the path much quicker than others. But when it comes time for law school, or for medical school, how are we able to determine who would be the best fit for a very limited number of spots? Would a portfolio suffice as an application? Would we choose the most creative individuals for these jobs or the most disciplined? Many people feel great accomplishment when achieving a high mark, a representation of hard work, and as a reward many of these disciplined mark-seekers get to become apart of respected intelligent professions. These jobs require that applicants know a lot of information and have high level critical thinking skills before even entering the professional school, and grades, as apart of the application process, have been proven to be fairly decent predictors of success in these intense programs. Without grades as apart of the application process for higher education (especially doctors and lawyers), it seems obvious that many people would get selected who may not be able to handle the intensity and level of information coming their way. This would waste tax payer's money as well as many valuable spots for potential doctors and lawyers.

So my question is this: without a grading system, what would be put in it's place to help ensure that applicants well educated in their respective faculty are selected for professional school? Regardless of the answer, I do agree that we need to at least revamp the current grading system; however, I feel strongly that some sort of assessment is needed, even in the 21st century.