Effects of Raising the Grade Average

The Saddleback Unified School District has embarked on a program of improved excellence in education by raising the graduation grade-point-average from D to C-. Consideration is being given to adjusting subject content to provide a greater challenge to the scholar.

An adjustment from D to C-, without other changes, will increase the stress level of the marginal student; increase the discouragement and frustration of the lesser student, and cause a tendency for increased dropping out, delinquency and possibly suicide.

In a recent survey of teen-agers, 35% indicated that failing grades on their reports were a major source of stress. I believe that studies will confirm a positive correlation between increased stress and increased rates of dropping out, delinquency and teen-age suicide. Further, a television program, “Dropout,” which aired April 21, indicated that the cost per day of preventing a dropout was about 5% that of dealing with a dropout later on in a correctional facility.

In view of these factors, I suggest a two-part program to provide parallel optional courses, one leading on to college or university study, with upgraded subject matter to challenge the good student, and an intensive program of counseling using aptitude tests and vocational guidance principles to screen and motivate students to select an optional parallel course to graduation.

This should be done as early as possible to give time to train students not going on to college in the vocations of their choice. The aim is to eliminate dropouts and to prepare all students for their major requirements.

Since educational needs are about the same throughout California, it seems appropriate that the state should formulate procedures in order to launch the program and provide some uniformity throughout the educational systems of the state.

NEVILLE A. WILLIAMS

El Toro