Meritocracy in the Classroom

Image source: We Are Teachers

In his inaugural address, President Donald Trump made a compelling case for the return of meritocracy. He envisioned a government that prioritizes competence, where roles and responsibilities are filled by the most qualified individuals, regardless of anything but their ability to deliver results. It’s hard to argue with that vision. Why settle for less than excellence when the stakes are so high? Meritocracy isn’t just a principle; it’s a necessity for progress.

This idea of meritocracy—selecting and rewarding people based on their skills and achievements—is just as vital in the classroom as it is in the workplace or the halls of government. Students who excel, who study diligently, and who push themselves to achieve should reap the rewards of their effort. This is not about elitism; it’s about recognizing effort and ability. When students see that their hard work is valued and rewarded, it motivates them to strive even harder.

Unfortunately, we’re seeing a troubling trend that threatens to undermine this foundational principle. In the name of “equity,” some schools are lowering standards, eliminating advanced courses, and diluting the value of academic achievement. Consider the Los Angeles Unified School District’s decision to remove honors classes in Culver City schools. The stated reason? To foster inclusivity and prevent students from feeling excluded. While the intention might sound noble on the surface, the consequences are anything but.

By eliminating honors classes, the message to students is clear: excellence doesn’t matter. Those who work harder or possess greater aptitude won’t be recognized. Instead, mediocrity becomes the norm, and the bright sparks of potential are dimmed in favor of a bland uniformity. This is a disservice to every student.

Efforts to foster inclusivity should not mean dragging down those who excel to create an illusion of fairness. When we remove opportunities for advanced learning, we stifle the very ambition and drive that education is supposed to cultivate.

Consider the long-term impact of such policies. What kind of generation are we raising if students learn that effort and excellence don’t matter? If grades, awards, or advanced opportunities are no longer earned but given, how are we supposed to inspire young minds to push boundaries, innovate, and achieve greatness?

The world outside the classroom operates on merit. Employers and society at large value competence, creativity, and determination. When schools abandon these values, they fail to prepare students for the realities of life. Worse, they create a culture where mediocrity is not only accepted but encouraged.

Educators should help every student reach their full potential, not lower the bar. We should provide struggling students with the support they need to succeed without penalizing those who excel. It means celebrating diversity of thought and ability rather than erasing it in the name of uniformity.

Meritocracy is not about leaving anyone behind. It’s about inspiring everyone to move forward, to rise to their potential. When students see that their hard work leads to tangible rewards—higher grades, advanced opportunities, and recognition—it fosters a culture of excellence. When they see that effort doesn’t matter, they learn apathy instead.

So, how are we supposed to inspire a generation to achieve greatness without rewarding merit? If we truly want to create a brighter future, we need to ensure that our schools, like our government, prioritize and reward excellence. Because when merit is valued, everyone wins.