[quote=6packscaredy]The overarching emphasis on grades shows that our priority is hierarchy not edumucation.[/quote]

Spoken like a true anarchist.

I think the emphasis on grades shows a focus on achievement, as measured by those grades. You may have a point, but absent a better alternative, they’re no more than pretty words. If you can come up with a better objective measurement of achievement, there’s a whole edumacation system that would love to have it.