Are you asking to debate the existence of Christianity? If so we can start a new debate, but unfortunately that's not the current topic. I believe schools should get rid of their letter grading system and replace it with feedback because it shifts a student's goal of getting a "good grade" to actually improving their skills. To expand, when a grade is received, students generally don't know what it really means. In their eyes, they merely see that they passed or failed. This prevents the desire to change, and if it's wanted, students will have a harder time knowing where to start. Written feedback promotes the idea that you can always improve your skills, regardless of how knowledgeable you are, motivating students to become the best versions of themselves. And although some may argue that grading shows the student their measurable level of understanding, grading is inconsistent as every teacher has a different criteria. Some include homework, while others take note of behavior. There are teachers who deduct points for handing an assignment in late. This doesn't show a student their level of understanding--it pushes them to act like the teachers version of the "perfect student". Grading is biased, while written feedback is not. The foundation is that everyone should improve upon their weaknesses. Overall, replacing grades with written feedback would move the goalpost of most students from getting a high grade to wanting to improve their skills. They know their next step, and it won't be seen as a "good" or "bad" result. Moreover, written feedback mitigates the day old issue of grade bias, and stops students from feeling that they have to change themselves first to "get a good grade".

Alongside the fact that written feedback prompts students to reflect on their skills without grade bias, it also gets rid of stress regarding academic performance. Whether it be parental expectations or the want for a secure future, let's face it, the school system makes it seem like grades are everything. Think back to your schooling experience. The night before a big test, cramming in presentation practice--regardless of the scenario most students stress over work because of the letter result. In fact, Yale researchers have found that around 75% of students feel stressed about their academic performance. Written feedback doesn't rank them on a scale from best to worst, and unlike letter grades, there is little competition. A lack of constant comparison and pressure to perform to unregulated standards mitigates certain mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety disorders as well. This permits a student to truly thrive in a school environment where they can walk to class with a clearer mind and stop worrying about losing a few points on the next test. Written feedback is the thing that might just keep our students from drowning, and right now more than ever do we need to keep them afloat as they navigate our rapidly changing world.