Federal Way students stage walkout over grading system

Dozens of students at Federal Way's high schools staged a walkout Dec. 6 to protest the school district's controversial Standards Based Education grading system. No incidents have been reported yet.

December 6, 2011 5:31 pm
A few dozen students protest peacefully Dec. 6 in front of Federal Way High School as principal Lisa Griebel ensures that order is maintained. Students were required to stay on school property behind the sidewalk in front of the high school.
A few dozen students protest peacefully Dec. 6 in front of Federal Way High School as principal Lisa Griebel ensures that order is maintained. Students were required to stay on school property behind the sidewalk in front of the high school.

From staff reports:

Dozens of students at Federal Way’s high schools staged a walkout Dec. 6 to protest the school district’s controversial Standards Based Education grading system. No incidents have been reported yet.

According to a district spokeswoman, students will not be suspended for participating. Many of the students began the walkout during their lunch hour and eventually returned to class, according to one official at Federal Way High School. At that school, students waved signs and elicited honks from passing motorists along Pacific Highway South, all while standing on school property behind the public sidewalk.

A Facebook page for Tuesday’s walkout contains several comments from Federal Way students, ranging from the serious to the humorous.

Standards Based Education (SBE) is aimed at creating standardization for teachers and students regarding grading, class content and other important areas.

Critics say SBE creates an unfair playing field that reduces test scores, raises the failure rate and discourages students from trying. Supporters praise the system for focusing on specific goals and challenging students to improve.