During a recent government meeting, educators and students from the Camas School District voiced significant concerns regarding the implementation of a standards-based grading (SBG) system, specifically the 4-3-2-1 model. Teachers expressed that this grading approach, which has been in use since 2016, has led to increased student apathy, confusion among parents, and a lack of clarity in assessing student performance.

One teacher highlighted that the SBG system has resulted in students showing little urgency in meeting deadlines, with many submitting work late or not at all. Parents, they noted, struggle to understand the grading system, which differs in interpretation among teachers, leading to frustration and a lack of engagement with their children's academic progress. The call for a return to traditional letter grades was echoed by several educators and students, who argued that this would provide a clearer and more consistent measure of student achievement.

Students also shared their experiences, stating that the SBG model demotivates them and fails to prepare them adequately for assessments. They expressed that the subjective nature of SBG makes it difficult to understand their progress, with one student noting that it creates a sense of complacency among peers who feel their efforts do not impact their grades.

In response to these concerns, educators urged the district to conduct surveys among parents and students to gather feedback on their experiences with SBG before making any further decisions. They emphasized the importance of including teacher input in the development of a grading system that meets the needs of students and is easily understood by parents.

The meeting concluded with a strong call for the district to reconsider the current grading practices, with many advocating for a shift back to a more traditional grading system by the fall of 2024. The educators and students underscored the need for a grading model that accurately reflects student performance and fosters a supportive learning environment.