Only parties disagree

School grades: Everyone wants more assessment methods

For pupils, parents, teachers and education experts, numeracy alone is not enough as an assessment system.

(Bild: stock.adobe.com – Lukassek)

While Germany is debating whether spelling is really that important for school grades and has long since introduced a broader grading system, here in Germany the question of whether there should be other grades besides numbers is still being considered. According to parents, pupils and education experts, the tenor is clear: Yes! Those responsible see it differently. 

In principle, pupils in Austrian schools are assessed using grades. In primary and special schools, however, there is the possibility of alternative performance assessment if the class forum so decides. "In this case, parents or guardians can also request the issue of a numerical report," says the Ministry of Education. However, from the end of the second grade at the latest, all children receive a numerical report.

Of course, pupils, parents, teachers, education experts and politicians all agree that grades are important. However, purely numerical grades are a bit of a shame. However, for pupils, school grades are "not an enemy or a bogeyman", as federal school spokesperson Marius Hlacidk emphasizes.