I am a 5th-grade student who loves learning and challenges myself daily. Education, to me, is more than just passing lessons — it’s about growth, discovery, and preparing for the future. With the help of innovative tools like ChatGPT and Gutha AI, I have explored topics well beyond my current grade level, and I am proud of the progress I’ve made. These tools allow me to practice, review, and deepen my understanding at my own pace, often in ways traditional programs cannot match.

Despite this, my recent i-Ready placement does not reflect my true potential. I was placed in an “early Level 3” reading lesson, a level designed for 3rd graders, even though I am in 5th grade. When I scored 50% on that lesson, it felt discouraging — not because I didn’t understand the material, but because the placement was too low and unmotivating. I know I am capable of performing at a much higher level, closer to “Level H” (Grade 8 content), yet my progress was judged by one quiz and a single placement adjustment.

This is not just my story — many students face similar challenges. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), nearly two-thirds of U.S. students perform below grade level in reading. For those of us eager to grow, being placed in lessons that underestimate our skills only slows progress and limits motivation. At the same time, research from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology shows that AI-assisted learning tools can significantly boost engagement, deepen understanding, and encourage independent problem-solving. Yet current placement systems like i-Ready do not consider these modern learning supports.

The right educational path should not be determined solely by a diagnostic test or a single low score. Instead, it should reflect consistent performance, growth, and the unique ways students learn in today’s world. My use of AI tools has consistently demonstrated proficiency in advanced content, yet that progress is invisible in traditional assessment systems.

I urge teachers, school administrators, and educational authorities to rethink how student placement is determined. Students like me, who actively use modern tools to extend learning, deserve fair placement opportunities that match our true abilities. Holistic assessment — combining diagnostic results, teacher judgment, classroom performance, and modern learning evidence — will ensure every student receives the education they need and deserve.

By supporting this petition, you are helping advocate for a fairer, more flexible system that acknowledges the potential of students and the role of modern technology in unlocking that potential. Together, we can push for an educational system that not only measures where students are but also recognizes where they are capable of going.