A group of scholars in Oklahoma reviewed the state’s A-F grading system–borrowed wholesale from Jeb Bush–and found that it was fundamentally flawed.
The Oklahoma Center for Education Policy at the University of Oklahoma and the Center for Research and Evaluation at Oklahoma State University reviewed the state’s A-F system and found that it consistently mislabeled schools.
Please read this short and highly informative report. It explains in clear language why single letter grades do not accurately reflect school quality.
The letter grades are highly tied to changes in test scores. But a difference of only 3-6 answers on a standardized test of 50 questions can change the score from an A to an F. Thus, small differences on tests are magnified in the letter grade system.
There is also a problem with classifications. Some schools with low letter grades had higher achievement in math or other subjects than students in schools with high letter grades.
There are many other problems, all of them significantly mislabeling schools and misleading the public.
When the grades were released to the schools, they were found to be loaded with errors, and school superintendents complained bitterly about the mislabeling of schools that they knew were good schools.
When we regain our collective common sense, we will recognize school letter grades as a truly stupid idea, concocted to set schools up for failure and privatization.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
I was sent this by a friend in a school district in L.A. County and we would like to know all your opinions on this.
Hi George,
This is what we were told grades are equivaleAnt to.
Advanced – 85% – 100%
Proficient – 84% – 69%
Basic – 68% – 50%
Below Basic – 49% – down
Not Taught
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I can’t believe they are giving schools letter grades. This is really dumb. It implies that if one goes to a school with a lower grade they will not add up to anything. This is a complete misrepresentation of schooling in many communities.
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You are my hero! Will you come to Oklahoma and speak at a rally at the Capitol?
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Same could be said about giving letter grades to students. What do they really mean??
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Today, our major newpaper published an editorial, calling this report a ‘tirade’, and then arrogantly dismissing it.
One of the editorial writers is married to our Superintendent’s former campaign manager and chief of staff. We never expect balanced reporting from the Daily Oklahoman, but this is a new low.
http://newsok.com/a-f-critique-undermines-public-schools/article/3896059
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I received letter grades in both high school and college. I don’t see the problem. I was an A student, not a 95% student.
Let’s choose our battles more carefully.
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