Posting Grades?

When I was a kid, my parents never really said very much about my grades. I was a good student, not outstanding, but good. Perhaps that is why it never became an issue. I did fairly well and graduated with honors, but I was not a stellar student by any means. I was self motivated though, so I think that helped some too.

Now that I have my own children, I put far more emphasis on grades than my folks ever did. I feel that education is very important for my children, and I feel strongly that they become successful with learning. A desire to learn is extremely important, and I hope that they always seek to learn more and become better.

Recently I read an article in the local news about a family who was less than pleased about their son’s performance in school. The school is not in the district where I teach, but is located close by. As a result of the student’s poor grades, they decided to make the student stand out in the street wearing a sign that displayed his grades for all to see as people drove by. While I understand the point that the parents are trying to make, I found it difficult to justify. I do not think that I could ever do this to my child. As a parent or an educator, I do not think that this is the most effective method of motivation for the student. Maybe I am wrong…I don’t know this student. Maybe the parents know that this will help. I just cannot imagine doing it or imagine that it would help the situation. I think that this kind of humiliation is not constructive...but that's just me...

I am interested in hearing other people's take on this family's solution though...I found the story interesting, and even more interesting were the comments left by readers of the story at the end.