Why American students are falling behind in reading and maths and how 'equity grading' is making it worse

Despite record levels of public spending on education, student performance across the US has been steadily declining. According to the latest results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation’s Report Card, one-third of US high school seniors lack basic reading skills, while 45% are unable to perform rudimentary mathematics.This decline in educational outcomes comes at a time when high school graduation rates have increased, leading to concerns that schools may be inflating achievements without ensuring academic mastery. Forbes has reported that one factor contributing to this trend is the adoption of “equity grading,” a practice that has been gaining traction across school districts.Equity grading and the softening of academic standardsEquity grading refers to a set of grading policies that include giving students credit for incomplete or missing work, allowing unlimited test retakes, removing penalties for late assignments, and awarding a minimum score of 50% for failed or missing work.

As noted by Forbes, these practices are intended to address disparities in student performance but are being adopted even as performance metrics decline.A nationally representative survey conducted by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute and the RAND Corporation found that about half of K–12 teachers reported that their school or district had implemented one or more equity grading policies. While most teachers surveyed said they support maintaining high standards, many admitted to feeling pressure to inflate grades, according to findings reported by Forbes.

NAEP results indicate long-term decline in performanceThe Nation’s Report Card has documented a consistent decline in student achievement across key subjects including maths, reading, writing, science, US history, and civics. Forbes highlighted that while these results are worrying, the trend is not reflected in charter schools, which have maintained relatively stable performance.Forbes also pointed out that eighth-grade reading proficiency is at a record low, with only one-third of high school seniors deemed college-ready in reading and maths.

This gap between recorded academic achievement and actual readiness has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current grading systems.Calls for greater accountability and reformAccording to Forbes, critics of equity grading argue that the system reduces accountability and masks academic deficiencies. Former President George W. Bush previously referred to similar issues as “the soft bigotry of low expectations,” a phrase Forbes cited in reference to current grading policies.Forbes also reported that many teachers have had their discretion curtailed by standardised grading rules, and that education unions have resisted measures aimed at increasing accountability. As alternative solutions gain popularity, including homeschooling and education savings accounts, the debate over grading practices continues to grow.