Letters: Grading-Scale Change Is Unsubtle Gimmick

Grading Scale Change Is Unsubtle Gimmick
Editor, Times-Dispatch: I read with concern Jeremy Slayton's news article, "Grading Scale Changes Studied."

Lowering grading scales, which will raise students' GPAs, may produce higher graduation rates. It will not increase the value of a diploma. It is an ersatz, unsubtle gimmick to create the appearance of academic improvement.

True, grade inflation has been going on in this country's schools (secondary and college) for some time. A recent news story by this paper cited a 9.9 percent increase in GPAs in Virginia schools, while SAT scores remained relatively flat.

Improving the academic performance of Virginia schoolchildren always has been and will remain a great challenge. Teachers and administrators are often unfairly blamed for the poor performance of their students when much of the problem is a social one beyond their control. Lowering the grading scale is not part of the solution.

Over the years I have been impressed by the high scores made by students in the West Point, Va., schools on national and state standardized tests. West Point High School consistently has a high graduation rate tied to a low dropout rate. Graduates go on to the state's best colleges and universities. Parents in surrounding counties pay tuition to send their children to West Point schools.

Small, manageable enrollment, well-qualified teachers and administrators, active and supportive parents, and a community proud of its tradition of educational excellence are certainly parts of this success story.

Take grade inflation off the table. Go down to West Point and see what those educators are doing.

Rives Hardy.
Callao.

State agencies responsible for education, transport and infrastructure, and the environment, along with the General Assembly that creates the legal foundation for a welcoming business environment, and the business organizations that provide a voice for those companies operating in our state, can be proud of the ranking and overall performance that continue to attract business and employment opportunities.

What these ratings typically overlook, however, is the impact that some businesses have on the consumer. In Virginia, the General Assembly seems to value all businesses without much regard for the legitimacy of the enterprise or its impact on the work force and consumer. The best example of this is legislation that permits car title, payday, and open-ended lending. These businesses can operate in Virginia under laws permitting legalized usury with interest rates approaching 400 percent. Efforts to rein them in have been feeble at best since the Virginia Senate's Commerce and Labor Committee is under leadership that has been a perennial protector of usury in Virginia, presumably under the premise that what is good for business is good for Virginia.

While we can all be proud of our state in encouraging business, trade, and investment, we should also critically examine the dismal record of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee in its continuing protection of predatory lending. Ward R. Scull III, Mike Lane. Co-Founders, Virginians Against Payday Loans.

Newport News.

Cuccinelli Looks Good For Attorney General
Editor, Times-Dispatch: Virginia State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli is the perfect choice for Virginia. The Republican candidate for attorney general has a strong résumé of public service in Virginia. Cuccinelli has served as the Commonwealth's court-appointed attorney for individuals within the mental health system. He was also a member of the board of directors of Families, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting families during crises through the local court systems. Cuccinelli has also served on Virginia's Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Advisory Committee, serving as chairman of the committee for two years.

In addition, Cuccinelli has been a member of the Virginia Senate since 2002, championing issues on mental health and protecting personal property. Cuccinelli is a proven statesman and a perfect choice for Virginia's next attorney general. Please join me in supporting Ken Cuccinelli in November.

Chris Frasure.
Hopewell.