The Problem
U.S. schools, including Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), are lowering academic standards to close racial achievement gaps, a practice I call grade tampering. This prioritizes equity over merit, weakening education. For example, FCPS guarantees 50% for minimal effort, inflating pass rates without improving skills (*FCPS*, 2023–2024). Just as a circuit needs consistent electron flow, education requires uniform standards.
Evidence of Failure
Virginia’s “Honesty Gap” shows state tests (SOLs) inflate pass rates: 73% of 4th graders pass reading SOLs, but only 31% pass national NAEP tests (*Honesty Gap*, 2015). In California, 75% of Black boys read below grade level (*CalMatters*, 2023). FCPS’s SAT scores dropped from 1219 in 2019 to 1178 in 2024, reflecting weaker preparation (*Fairfax County Times*, 2023).
Solutions
- Use uniform, merit-based grading aligned with NAEP standards.
- Focus funding on math and science curricula, not equity programs.
- Report proficiency and SAT scores transparently, defining “below basic” as failing.
- Empower parents with clear performance data.
Explore my training program for merit-based learning.
