If ultimately the transcript were for the student’s use, it would make sense to assume that the student should have something to say in assembling the information that goes on the transcript. The graduate in his new suit wants to present the best possible impression. The transcript he carries should show his best work, not his failures. Perhaps the graduate had a “rocky” start but later reached a high level of competency. This is all the employer needs to know or perhaps has a right to know. One of the major ideas behind our democracy is the fresh start, getting another chance and the opportunity to still triumph after repeated tries. Persevering and learning from experience is presented to youngsters as an inspirational model. Why would an instructor bother to put a negative label on student work that is not yet at competency level? What student would want the instructor to vouch for less than competent work? Even if an F grade could be made up with an A the F is still on the transcript. Does the institution have the right or obligation to keep information on the transcript the student does not want on there? Would it be a better looking transcript with course listings for all courses attended and the final evaluations the graduate wanted to show? Letting the student select is in no way changing course evaluations. It’s just letting him control what he wants presented to employers. The information on how long the student took to reach the grade level is retained and an A gotten the first time would probably look more impressive than an A received after a few tries.
The student is not only learning skills but also building confidence. The student does not need to have negative criticisms hanging around his neck like millstones. These are academic credentials, not information furnished for a security clearance, where the applicant’s weaknesses must be known. The graduate is presenting credentials to substantiate competence. Credentials that he paid and worked for. Who would pay to be exposed on paper? The student-controlled transcript would allow a preparation somewhat like a Prep school. The student-controlled transcript would create the same opportunities as a Prep school and would also look the same as the transcript of a clever student who audited courses before taking the course for an assured high grade. The student-controlled transcript would give a student the same opportunity as the rich and the clever.