It’s no secret that I often question the reliability of our country’s public school system.  It’s an interesting dilemma, considering the fact that I attended public school my entire life and admittedly had no problems.  However, my personal story is by no means reflective of the system in general.  Quite frankly, I feel that there is something fundamentally wrong with entrusting the government to provide a satisfactory education for millions of young minds throughout the country … the same government that provides us with a “unique” experience at the DMV.

I came across this article today, titled “Eyebrows raised over city school policy that sets 50% as minimum score,” that describes a new policy implemented in the Pittsburgh public school system:

Pittsburgh Public Schools officials say they want to give struggling children a chance, but the district is raising eyebrows with a policy that sets 50 percent as the minimum score a student can receive for assignments, tests and other work.

The district and teachers union last week issued a joint memo to ensure staff members’ compliance with the policy, which was already on the books but enforced only at some schools. Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers President John Tarka said the policy is several years old.

While some districts use “F” as a failing grade, the city uses an “E.”

“The ‘E’ is to be recorded no lower than a 50 percent, regardless of the actual percent earned. For example, if the student earns a 20 percent on a class assignment, the grade is recorded as a 50 percent,” said the memo from Jerri Lippert, the district’s executive director of curriculum, instruction and professional development, and Mary VanHorn, a PFT vice president.

I’m really not quite sure what to make of this.  Is this indicative of our public school system in general?  Is this specific to this district, only?  Just the state?

A lot of questions.

To be honest, I personally feel that this does students no good whatsoever; in fact, I see this more as a safety net for the TEACHERS, not the students.  If I were a parent, I would rather my child receive a lower grade in his class (and be forced to partake in summer school) than to be passed and shuffled off into the next grade, having no strong foundation for the upcoming material to be learned.

I am of the opinion that school should prepare an individual for what people refer to as “the real world,” where competition and accountability are important factors to one’s success.  Math.  Science.  Reading and comprehension.  All skills needed in this “real world.”

Imagine going to work, doing nothing for eight hours, and walking away with half of your day’s wage.  We all know that would never happen — so why promote this idea in our schools?

Does this policy reward failure, or does it encourage success?