This is one area of our education system that could be reformed. What should matter are not grades, but whether you can demonstrate mastery of the material.
Some form of testing system where you can either re-test repeatedly or you can take the test the moment you believe you mastered the material.
Basically a homeschooling equivalent in the public school.
>>What should matter are not grades, but whether you can demonstrate mastery of the material.
Passing grades used to only be awarded upon demonstration of mastery of the material.
Schools would never do this. If someone had to show the ability to get measurable results to get a degree then there would be no psychologists. Not a one. No economists either. Also very few teachers.
This would be a very good thing.