IXL is an educational technology platform that is widely used in schools across the United States, offering practice questions in a variety of subjects. The intention behind using platforms like IXL is to supplement student learning with additional practice. However, the recent trend of assigning grades to IXL assignments raises several issues that merit reevaluation.

First, the primary goal of IXL should be to enhance learning through practice, without the pressure of performance-based assessment. Many students find the platform frustration-inducing, as it is often more a test of endurance than an accurate reflection of understanding. The system’s adaptive nature means that each mistake results in a further decrease in score, discouraging students and instilling a fear of failure. Instead of learning from mistakes, students may focus more on avoiding them, thus defeating the very purpose of the exercise.

Second, the grading of IXL can disproportionately affect students' overall academic grades. Since the platform is sometimes used to assess mastery independently of traditional teaching methods, it doesn't always align with class curriculum and teaching styles. This misalignment causes inconsistent grading criteria across different classrooms, leading to increased stress and confusion among students and their parents.

Furthermore, it has been observed that IXL’s grading system does not accommodate students with special learning needs, who may require alternative teaching strategies and more time to grasp new concepts. By taking IXL for a grade, it marginalizes those who do not fit into its rigid framework.

To foster a more supportive learning environment, we propose that IXL should remain a tool for practice and self-improvement, and not be directly tied to academic grading. Teachers can encourage students to engage with the platform for the benefit of reinforcing learning, without the added mental and emotional strain of grading. This approach supports diverse learning abilities, encourages risk-taking in learning, and respects the varied paces at which students learn.

We call upon educational institutions and policymakers to rethink the implementation of IXL in the grading system and to prioritize student well-being and genuine learning over numerical perfection. Sign this petition to advocate for a change that emphasizes growth and understanding, rather than mere scores.