The one exam for the AP classes is a great idea. You have to take the long exam and then later you have to take the final. You should have the option to take just one.

It is also a great idea to recognize those in the top ranks instead of just one. You can still give a valedictiorian though.

I agree with all of those ideas except the one about the Valedictorian. I feel that the Valedictorian and Saludatorian deserve to be recognized. Being at the very top of your class is no small feat, especially if you go to a large school such as Old mill, where the current senior class consists of over 500 students.
I dont mind if the others are recognized, but the Valedictorian and Saludatorian should be recognized as well.

So you should recognized the valdictorian and have the other designations. Well I do agrre it is no feat. (GBDCABP)

I think that all the proposals for the new grading policies will really help the students, and make it easier on teachers. I especially like the summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude idea. The fight to become valedictorian is so fierce at my school, that kids end up just caring about the bottom line: an "A" on their report cards. And they'll do almost anything to get it. It also isn't unknown to have freshman and even eight-graders who take high-school level courses freak out over a "B" because they feel their chances at valedictorian are shattered. The "cum laude" idea is great because it gives status and recognition to those who achieve, but it doesn't create a cut-throat environment that damages learning in the long run.

What I am saying tho is that we have Sum Cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude, but also Recognize the Valedictorian and Saludatorian.
Then its a win-win situation. All the top achievers get recognition, but the Valedictorian and Saludatorian also get recognized.

I agree. That is what is was trying to get out ealier.

While that is a good idea in theory, I feel that, in practice, it won't make much difference. People will still regard Valedictorian as the only way to succeed, and the "cum laudes" will seem like something akin to failure. We can't have a mix, or the "cum laude" titles will be disregarded as worthless, while the Valedictorian and Saludatorian will still be as coveted, and the environment will still be cut-throat.

i agree with Roo that we use both because, for some, they'd rather NOT share top ranking with anyone else. As others wouldn't mind sharring the "pyramid" with others. I believe the benefits of both will please more people.

With both system of recogniztion you will still have the top honor to strive for. But if your are not there in the top spot you still get recognition for the hard work that you have done. It will give more students something to work for instead of saying im not valedictorian and giving up or slacking off.

That's an awesome idea.
softballgirl88 :D