Grading is a fundamental aspect of the educational experience in the United States, serving as a primary method for evaluating student performance and progress. The "Why Always Experience Grades" framework posits that grades are essential for several reasons, including providing feedback, promoting accountability, and facilitating differentiation in instruction.

Grading is crucial for providing feedback to students, allowing them to understand their strengths and areas for improvement. According to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), grades are the most common form of feedback provided to students (NCES, 2019). This feedback helps students set goals and develop strategies to achieve academic success. Moreover, grades can motivate students to engage more deeply with the material, as they are aware of the direct connection between their efforts and the grades they receive.

Accountability is another key reason for the persistence of grading systems. Grades hold students, teachers, and administrators accountable for their performance. Teachers are expected to deliver quality instruction, and students are expected to meet certain academic standards. This accountability is critical for maintaining the integrity of the educational process. According to a report by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), states with more rigorous grading systems tend to have higher student achievement (NAEP, 2020).

Grading also facilitates differentiation in instruction. Teachers can tailor their teaching methods to address the diverse needs of students based on their grades. For example, a teacher might assign more challenging assignments to students who are performing well, while providing additional support to those who are struggling. This differentiation ensures that all students have the opportunity to learn and succeed. A study by the RAND Corporation found that differentiated instruction can lead to improved student achievement and engagement (RAND, 2018).

In conclusion, grading is a vital component of the educational experience in the United States due to its role in providing feedback, promoting accountability, and facilitating differentiation in instruction. These functions are supported by data from the NCES, NAEP, and RAND Corporation, which highlight the importance of grades in the educational process.

References:

National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). (2019). The Condition of Education. Retrieved from

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). (2020). The Nation's Report Card. Retrieved from

- RAND Corporation. (2018). Differentiated Instruction: A Synthesis of the Literature. Retrieved from