Grading is a really tricky issue especially in math and the sciences where it is traditionally assume that there are correct answer and incorrect answers. Assigning grades to students can be a very subjective practice and when students are only given percentages or letter grades and no feedback or direction, the grade is of limited value in my opinion. I think it is good to give students grades to inform them about their learning, where do they stand? How much of the content do they understand? but those grades also need to come with direction for the student, where do you go from here? How can you improve in your weak areas?
Some of the limitations of grading become apparent because grades are a very binary 'right and wrong' type of assessment. They can give students the wrong impression about education and learning by discouraging students who perceive their situation to be hopeless or not worth improving. There is also a perception around what grades make which students successful or smart and they can also deter students from taking classes where they won't excel. A good education is a well-rounded one and a student that doesn't take an upper-level math class because it will destroy their GPA despite being interest, well that's a sad situation to say the least.
The new grading system being implemented in the secondary system by the ministry is a really interesting take on how grades are changing and how their role is transforming. I can imagine teaching a class and using something like that to grade my students. I think it is a much more effective way of guiding students on their learning journey.
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