In a story published over the weekend by The Epoch Times, CALN shared insight on South Carolina’s historic decision to enact a statewide prohibition on grade floors.
That decision came after scores of teachers—many tired of being micromanaged or having their hands tied when it comes to grading—voiced support for ending the practice, alongside many in the education space.
And teachers in South Carolina aren’t alone.
A survey conducted by the Rand Corporation and the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation in 2025 found that a vast majority of educators oppose “‘equitable’ grading,” and do not want to give students grades that they did not earn, The Epoch Times reports.
I remarked on the initial surprise of many school board members upon learning about grade floors for the first time. These policies or rules often pre-dated their service and could go undetected without knowing where to look or hearing about them from teachers.
I expressed in the article the same sentiment that CALN shared some two years ago when we raised initial concerns: minimum-grade policies actively discourage students from giving their full effort; that they constitute an erosion of academic integrity.
Teachers seem to agree. As the Rand Corporation and Thomas B. Fordham Foundation’s survey report concluded, “… teachers don’t like it when the powers that be take a sledgehammer to their few sources of leverage over student motivation and effort. Nor do they like giving students grades they don’t deserve.”
As states look to South Carolina’s decisive action, it’s encouraging to see a growing national conversation about ensuring grades remain honest and reflect students’ work and effort.
Below is an excerpt from the article. You can read the full version here.
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“Prohibited in 2 States, Interest in Others
South Carolina’s new law eliminating no-zero policies and minimum grades took effect as schools opened their doors this month.
The legislation was spearheaded at the local board of education level after leaders noticed inconsistencies across districts.
Many of them were unaware their districts had old policies that essentially prevented zeros and F’s.
‘I almost didn’t believe it when I was told about it,’ Bryce Fielder, director of the Carolinas Academic Leadership Network, told The Epoch Times. ‘It seems outrageous.‘
He said a board member in Sumter County later championed grading reform in the Palmetto State, and his peers in North Carolina expect to consider a similar measure in the year ahead.
South Carolina still has a long way to go in its quest to have 75 percent of students at grade level by 2030, a move overwhelmingly supported by state lawmakers, Fielder said.
The measure allows students a second chance on some tests and assignments if they have a solid record of attending class and completing assignments.
‘If you know there’s a minimum grade waiting for you, then you are far less motivated. It’s an erosion of academic integrity,” Fielder said.‘