Ministry Plans to Return Behavior Grades to Schools; Murmansk Parents Weigh In

In school diaries across the country, there used to be a separate line — «Behavior». There, they could reprimand, praise, or call parents «on the carpet». Then this practice was abolished: it was decided that character cannot be measured with numbers. But the idea has unexpectedly returned to the agenda — the Ministry of Education plans to return grades for behavior from 1st to 11th grade — the idea immediately sparked controversy. Journalists from 51.RU spoke with parents in Murmansk to learn their point of view.

“A grade was a clear signal for both children and parents”
Anna, mother of a second-grader

— I studied in a school where they could give a «4» for behavior and call parents. And you know, it worked. Not as a punitive measure, but as a signal: something is going wrong. In second grade, children are just learning to be in a collective, and sometimes they really need a framework. Now everything is vague: «we talked», «we discussed», and the child does the same thing a day later. I«m not for punishment, but for clear rules.

“In first grade, it will be extra stress”
Irina, mother of a first-grader

— We are just adapting to school. The child already has a lot of new things: lessons, schedule, teacher, classmates. What«s another grade for behavior? They don»t always understand what is allowed and what isn«t. Today she cried a little, tomorrow she laughed loudly — and what, is that already a »3«? I would definitely be against it, especially in elementary school.

“I want them to be responsible not only for knowledge”
Sergei, father of a fifth-grader

— In fifth grade, adult life begins: new teachers, subjects, requirements. And here I see a problem: knowledge is assessed, but attitude towards school, people, rules seems to be left out. Perhaps not in the form of a classic grade, but in some other format: comments, pass/fail. But the idea that behavior also matters is close to me.

“Are you sure it will be fair?”
Elena, mother of a seventh-grader

— Are you sure it will be fair? In seventh grade, children are cheeky, argue, ask uncomfortable questions. One teacher will say: «Well done, thinking.» Another — «being rude.» And which grade is correct? In adolescence, any «label» can either break motivation or turn into a tool of pressure.