Standards Matter: How High Expectations Can Boost Education for All

Over the last ten years, a significant experiment has unfolded in American schools. Some districts aimed for fairness by easing academic rigor, while others maintained high standards. The results are now in.

The Easier Approach: Lower Standards, Higher Grades

• Intent: Help all students succeed.
• Methods:
• Reduced tough classes.
• Less strict grading.
• Fewer tests.
• Outcomes:
• Test scores dropped, especially for struggling students.
• Grades inflated, creating a disconnect between grades and actual knowledge.
• Example: High school calculus A-students failing basic college algebra.

The Rigorous Approach: High Standards, Better Results

• States: Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama.
• Methods:
• High academic standards.
• Effective teaching methods.
• Clear expectations.
• Grade retention when necessary.
• Outcomes:
• Improved reading scores across all student groups.
• Proven success for students starting behind.

The Path Forward

• Key Findings: High expectations and effective teaching foster fairness and success.
• Parental Response: Growing demand for school choice due to dissatisfaction with easier approaches.
• College Trends: Students opting for institutions with clear expectations and academic focus.
• Recommendations:
• Restore clear, fair academic standards.
• Implement proven teaching methods.
• Focus on real-world skills.

Conclusion: Excellence is not the enemy of fairness; it is the key to achieving it.