Our children are the future, and every child deserves an education that recognizes their unique needs and abilities. Unfortunately, in our current public school system, students requiring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or extra assistance with learning are often overlooked. They are graded on the same scale as other students, which can lead to discouragement and a feeling of being left behind.

This issue is deeply personal to me. My son Xavier has an IEP. I've watched as his classmates received rewards for their progress while his hard work went unnoticed because he didn't meet the "standard" level of achievement. During one IEP conference, a teacher even asked how she could grade Xavier if he wasn't at the standard level.

This is not just about my son; it's about all students who require additional support in their learning journey. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 14% of all public school students received special education services during 2018-2019 academic year - that's millions of children potentially facing this same issue.

We need a grading system that acknowledges each student's individual progress and efforts rather than comparing them to a one-size-fits-all standard. This will not only help these children feel recognized but also encourage them to continue striving in their educational journey.

Please sign this petition urging our educational authorities to implement a fair grading system for all students requiring additional learning support or those with an IEP plan in place.