Making--Not Buying--the Grades

The spirit of giving that shines so brightly during the holiday season can sometimes blind us to simple common sense.

That is what happened in one Ventura County high school classroom, where a teacher reportedly offered extra-credit points toward an improved grade to each student who brought in cans of food for a holiday food drive.

Goodwill toward the hungry, goodwill toward the academically deficient--what could be wrong with that?

Well, much as we admire those who dedicate their lives to thinking up innovative ways to motivate students, there are several things wrong with it.

First, true charity is its own reward. OK, so the annual outpouring of year-end generosity may be inspired less by holiday bliss than by the impending tax-deduction deadline, but we hope those who teach the young would at least try to convey the spiritual satisfaction of sharing with others just because it’s a good thing to do.

Second, it’s not fair. While a supply of canned food is but a swipe of the credit card to those with plenty of money, many Ventura County students live in homes where having extra food in the house would be a Christmas miracle indeed.

And third, all the generosity and good intentions in the world should not be allowed to camouflage studies neglected and lessons unlearned. If a teacher chooses to let students rehabilitate a lousy grade, it should be with extra studies in the subject at hand. A special report, the chance to retake a flubbed exam, participation in a study group--there are many ways a student could turn a D into a B.

But upgraded grades should not go to those who haven’t learned the material, and certainly not to those who happen to have the cash for a few cases of beans.