ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the relationship between grades and GPA, and considers the role of academic risk-taking in student success. It makes us to recognize that students need more than academic learning. GPA and grades are stories about compliance and the ability to play the game of school. The most amazing conversations occurred around reflection process because students were complimenting one another on risk-taking—an under-appreciated mindset. There are reputable studies that do link GPA and grades to academic success, such as the "Indicators of Success: GPA and Noncognitive Skills" put out by NEA in the Backgrounder. GPA not only captures mastery of content knowledge, but also skills not usually captured in tests—self-control, for example. Self-control is an example of a non-cognitive skill. Non-cognitive skills consist of the skills not captured in cognitive tests such as aptitude tests, standardized tests, or course exams.
