[CowboyJay]

"I don’t see how lowering school standards will help."

I actually agree with this.

Probably 1/4 of HS kids literally will not be able to comprehend Algebra II at that age (if ever). In the case of Texas, another 10% have higher priority things to worry about, like trying to master English as a second language.

If they have to drop the grading standards so that everybody passes with a C, I think it does alot more damage.

[Think free or die]

"If they have to drop the grading standards so that everybody passes with a C, I think it does alot more damage. "

I agree. I've been processing my first semester grades this weekend, and I have a number of students who will receive failing quarter or semester grades. I'm sure I'll get some heat for it. There are some who will scrape by only by virtue of generous grading curves and my unwillingness to fail so many that it gets admin riled up. I need my job and I'm not tenured.

[3Fingas]

Better to fall short of high standards then to succeed at low standards.
Those that do succeed will go on to bigger and better things. College is not supposed to be for everyone like it is pushed now. Better to have a smaller group of college entrants who can handle the work than a larger group that enters college unprepared. Vocational training and community college should take up the slack.