To the editor:

Why have more than 200 people to date signed the online petition “Stop Standards-Based Grading in USD 497 Middle Schools” via the website change.org? Because when people learn about the many changes that have been made by district administrators recently, and the problems created as a result, they know they must send the message that the current situation is unacceptable.

This space does not permit listing all the problems and concerns. We urge people to go to the Facebook page “USD 497 Concerned Community” where they can link to an outline of these issues. Concerns with standards-based grading in middle schools include: It doesn’t motivate students to do their best and it de-emphasizes crucial work habits such as meeting deadlines and studying for tests. And any student or parent who has accessed Skyward (the district’s online reporting system) in the past would not recognize it for today’s sixth-graders. The information is terribly confusing and inadequate, and parents don’t know where kids need help.  

Learn more online. Attend the district’s “informational discussions” at 7 p.m. Nov. 29 at Southwest Middle School and 7 p.m. Nov. 30 at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School.  Send the message that these many problems ought to be corrected.