Learning standards are one of the most important issues in public education today, influencing every dimension of our educational system, from high-stakes standardizing tests to the topics and skills students are taught in school to the professional development that teachers need to be effective. Students were asked whether or not they think their grade or the lesson they learned is more important to them, and why?

Gallery • 5 Photos

Hannah Fitts

Freshman Jalyn Hill (left) said, “I think the lesson learned because I think it is more about whether or not I understand the lesson and not the grade representing that.” Freshman Ethan Woodruff (right) said, "I think the grade you get in the class is more important because the grade proves what you know and that you understand the lesson.”