Some educators in South Carolina claim they are being directed to assign students a 50 or 60, regardless of their actual performance. However, a proposed bill might change this approach.

Currently, in some state districts, regulations prevent teachers from assigning zeros or failing grades below a specific threshold. These policies were reportedly implemented to improve graduation rates and prevent students from falling behind.

“The bill aims to ensure that grades accurately reflect students’ mastery of the subject matter and serve as a measurement of their actual classroom achievements,” explained Patrick Kelly from the Palmetto State Teachers Association.

The proposed legislation would take away funding from districts that continue to the practice.

“I think we’ve really gotten away from accountability, and we want to teach our kids that you can do the you can do it if you put in the work,” said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Fawn Pedalino (R – Clarendon).

But supporters of the bill said a student’s grade should match the work they’ve done.

“I hear a lot of frustration from teachers is in instances where students don’t turn anything in, they still have to assign a minimum grade, a grade floor, and teachers worry that that is not teaching work ethic and integrity,” Kelly continued.

Pedalino added that said the bill is about figuring out what needs to be fixed in school districts and help students perform better.

“Fixing this is going to help us gauge what we need to fix within our school districts and in turn, help our workforce and our college rates,” she said. “It’s going to push them to do the work. “

Education experts expressed worries that passing the bill alone without doing a comprehensive look at the state grading system could lead to unintended consequences.