SBAC testing grade boost: Is it fair?

Kyla Currie | Opinion Editor

March 20, 2025

In an extremely controversial move this year, the new state testing policy at San Clemente High School is now allowing for exceeding test scores to boost our previous years grades, which has sparked great debate among our district. According to this new policy, students who perform well and more specifically earn a score of 3 or 4, are offered a letter changed grade. While this may seem like this is an incentive to excel on these standardized tests, others will argue that it takes away from the hard work put in by other students throughout the school year.

This new policy has critics contending that this further pushes prioritizing test-taking abilities from students rather than long-term academic drive and dedication. Mitch Anderson, a Junior at SCHS called the policy “unfair” and that he thinks it “doesn’t apply to everyone equally” as some kids are already earning good grades but get no boost. Therefore, kids who actually are earning A’s do not get any grade boost. Students who have previously been studying long hours, working hard on assignments and maintaining strong grades throughout the year will further receive no additional benefit to this policy, however, those who excel on a singular exam will see a significant increase in their grade. Lucy White said that she “enjoys” the boost and that it gives her a second chance to get her grade up when not doing as well last year. Opponents of this view argued the fact that this new system devalues sustained discipline and effort, and favor those who perform better under the pressure of test-taking rather than those of who showcase consistent commitment.

As this new controversial debate continues, many students and teachers question whether if they should reward the one-time success students over students who have gone through year-round perseverance. They wonder if this system values honest reflection of academic improvement, or if it simply inflates students’ grades without the acknowledgment of the hard work behind them.