Want low standards? Come to NC where 31% is PASSING on end of year exams for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade.
Most of these kids can't even pass the EIGHTH grade TCap test to get out of High School, even with weeks of coaching before the test is given.
Memphis spends a $1,000 more per pupil than Shelby County does. Yet the county produces a better student. So money is NOT the problem. For ever $4 collected in County taxes $3 of them go to the Memphis City Schools.