Grades consist of numbers, letters, or phrases that indicate a student's school performance during a certain period of time or on a particular assignment. In addition to measuring the quality of a student's work, grades are also an indication of the progress a student has or has not made. Consistently poor grades indicate that a student is not progressing academically. He or she is then placed at a higher risk of being retained the following school year. Consistently high grades indicate that a student is progressing well academically and should be promoted to the next level.

In addition to affecting whether or not a student is retained, grades are also used in academic placements. Students who receive poor grades may be placed in classes that are ...