A1
arguments against online school ratings:
- negative impact on schools with bad ratings
- concerns about students providing only grades, not constructive feedback
- doubts about the effectiveness of ratings in bringing about change
arguments in favour of online school ratings:
- encouragement for schools to improve based on public feedback
- potential benefits for teachers and principals in creating better learning experiences
- addressing unfair behaviour, such as bullying
- protecting students from negative consequences for providing feedback
The newspaper article titled “‘What’s the sense of rating? Nothing is gonna change anyhow’” lines out the discussion about whether students should be able to rate their schools online.
Opponents argue that bad ratings might impact schools negatively. It is presented that, this might lead to public schools being closed, which would result in a big disadvantage for the affected neighbourhood / general area. Secondly, they are concerned that students would provide inappropriate criticism instead of providing constructive feedback due to being upset with bad grades. Furthermore, it is doubted how effective those ratings are in bringing genuine change, as brought up title quote by student Melissa Bird.
However, supporters bring up that public feedback might offer an encouragement for schools to improve on their own. Based on this, it could also lead to benefits for teachers and administration in creating better learning experiences. Moreover, it could address unfair behaviour like bullying.
Nevertheless, students being protected from negative consequences due to providing feedback would be a necessity.
A2 + A3
result: thus, as a consequence, after all, as a result
addition: moreover, added to that, besides, above all, what is more
giving examples: such as, for example, e.g.
structuring: finally, first of all, secondly, lastly
contrasting: however, yet, on the contrary
clarification: to be precise