Why do we have grade levels? Some students are way above level in math and below in reading. Others should be in college level computer science while someone else is doing a field experiment about biomechanics.
The whole idea of a grade level and required set of curricula seems more limiting than useful these days. When the modern workforce demands people who can make decisions and take initiative, it’s counterproductive to perpetuate a system that preaches the opposite.
Grade level doesn’t seem to influence success on projects. In Dual School we have students from freshmen in high school to sophomores in college and there is no linear relationship between grade level and how well they are performing in an idea incubator. The older students seem no more equipped to handle uncertainty, test assumptions and drive forward a project.
So what’s the point of moving them along in the system? The checks and balances are measuring different objectives. Outdated objectives. The modern economy demands more and we’re going to have to rethink a lot of we’re going to prepare students to thrive.