Class ranking decision bad for some students

The Linn-Mar School District eliminated class rank for all grades this year. Valedictorian and Salutatorian will still be awarded and students graduating “with honors” and “with distinction” will be recognized.

According to Superintendent Katie Mulholland, class rankings discourage students from taking harder classes in fear of lower grades and lower GPAs. However, Advanced Placement classes are awarded a higher 5.0 scale. With scholarships based on class rank, students must take these harder classes to maintain a GPA above 4.0 and be competitive.

Although eliminating rankings will encourage looking closer at individual students for admission, how will students apply for scholarships based on class rank? How will students remain competitive for top spots in their class? They won't.

As a student of Linn-Mar in the top 5 percent of my class, this decision is discouraging and disappointing. Student opinions were not considered. I have worked hard to maintain good grades and challenge myself with AP classes to achieve a high ranking, as these were our expectations.

Now, the hard work I have done over the years seems useless. Linn-Mar should have started this with the freshman class.

We are taught to rise to expectations set for us. Will students continue to work hard when the expectations and rewards are being eliminated?

Samantha Wagner

Marion