Grade inflation has been in the news for a while, but The New York Times ran a story the other day about a different twist on this topic ? high schools graduating an increasingly large number of valedictorians.
While it's not uncommon for schools to have multiple valedictorians when two students are in a dead heat for the top spot, many schools and districts are awarding the honor to dozens. The St. Vrain Valley school district in Colorado awarded 94 students the distinction of valedictorian, with 28 coming from just one high school.
School leaders say that recognizing multiple students as valedictorians is a more equitable way to honor their achievement, particularly when the top spots may be separated by only the smallest fraction of a grade point average.
While it's good to hear that students are being competitive, awarding so many the title of valedictorian definitely dilutes its significance.
As Chris Healy, an associate professor at Furman University told The New York Times, ?It's honor inflation. I think it's a bad idea if you're No. 26 and you're valedictorian. In the real world, you do get ranked.?
He has a valid point. With a major push underway for students to be college-and career-ready, this practice seems out of step with preparing students for the real world.
Flypaper readers: What do you think? Is this trend a more equitable solution for acknowledging academic success, or is it simply honor inflation?
?Eric Ulas