Grade Inflation

Judi Kessler bemoans the poor writing skills of students at UC Santa Barbara (letter, Dec. 1). Her remedy: eliminate social promotions. It is unlikely that any UC students have been socially promoted. The problem is grade inflation in the high schools. The remedy: higher standards for college-recommending grades.

Social promotion is an entirely different matter, requiring strenuous efforts to raise failing students to legitimate D and C grades. By definition, the academic achievement of some students will be below average. Each should be encouraged to achieve a level of knowledge and skills appropriate to his potential.

GENE BARMORE

Huntington Beach