Students push for pass/fail grading system during pandemic

They say distance learning is creating unprecedented challenges.

April 15, 2020 6:25 pm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Some students in Providence Public Schools are calling for a pass/fail system instead of a traditional GPA.

They say distance learning puts many students at a disadvantage, including those who are hard workers but struggling right now with a lack of reliable technology or a difficult home environment.

“How do we make it equal for everyone, regardless of what’s going on at their house, regardless of their situation, regardless of whether their needs are being met?” asked Milly Asherov, a student at Classical High School. “How do we make it so it’s a level playing field?”

The idea of switching from GPA to pass/fail is catching on with the Providence Student Union.

“GPA would literally be based off how well people can adapt to a global pandemic, and not academics,” said Jayson Rodriguez of the PSU. “It’s not about accountability with grades, it’s about how well you can adjust to a new system.”

The PSU started a petition in support of a pass/fail system that’s reached 1,500 signatures.

“Really just to show the commissioner, superintendent, and anybody in general that this is a very widely-supported campaign,” Rodriguez said.

Some administrators though, are expressing concerns.

Westerly High School principal Michael Hobin tells ABC6 that scholarships and athletics are often based on GPA.

But as some colleges themselves start to implement a pass/fail system, high school students say they shouldn’t be punished for using the same system.

“There are so many things that are just not stable, that we need to make a way for us to have room for failure during this period,” Asherov said. “Room for failure that won’t affect you for the rest of your life.”