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
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