To: Liv Finne Washington Policy Center #1.



4.26.20
Liv: I hope this message finds you well and thriving in these stressful times.

First, thank you for including the citation of the School Board’s decision. It’s always useful to see the entire comment in its full context.

Second, the topic of grade inflation is a perennial issue and has been since I became a teacher in 1970. I suspect it was a problem even before that. So, you are on well cultivated ground in seeking to analyze this issue, as it relates to Seattle Public School.

Third, I suspect this school board decision has more to do with the fact that any other grade, in the face of the Covid-19/Distance-Online Learning issues, would be rigorously challenged by many parents, who are seeking to improve their child’s GPA. It happens often enough in more ordinary times. If this is to become standard policy, I will very likely be standing beside you in opposition.

Fourth, concern with “social justice”, as you put it, is a valid issue, as well. The key is not to build a policy that overreacts to a genuine need and skews the entire policy.

Finally, since part of your job is, apparently, beating the drum and promoting charter schools, I guess I shouldn’t find your last paragraph a surprise. However, the implication that charter schools do not have issues with grade inflation or alteration is unrealistic. Somerset Prep DC has a history of just this very problem. So much so that it’s a systemic issue there. If you are interested in further examples, please feel free to inquire.
https://wjla.com/features/faking-the-grade/somerset-prep-dc-charter-school-accused-inflating-grades

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