“Red stripe” – parents' opinions on school reports with distinction

Abstract

Every year, on the day of the end of the school year, many parents upload posts on social media, proud of their children, who received a school report with distinction represented by the so-called “red stripe” (or rather, a white and red stripe). In reaction to such posts, however, one can see not only congratulations but also opinions that such loud boasting about one’s children’s success disregards the feelings and emotions of other parents and children who have received their reports without distinction.Based on an online survey conducted after the end of the 2021/2022 school year, the paper presents the answers to the following questions: What, in parents’ opinion, determines whether a child receives a report with distinction or not? According to parents, what are the most significant advantages and disadvantages of using the “red stripe” system? What do parents think about boasting about children’s “red stripes” on social media? Are they in favour or against doing away with the system of reports with distinction?The answers to the above questions often turn out surprising and depend to the greatest extent on whether the subject’s children received a school report with distinction. The research conclusions can serve as a starting point for a deeper reflection on the grading system in Polish schools.