Grade Inflation.

Grade inflation is the assignment of a grade to a student who has not yet reached the achievement level represented by that grade. For example, teachers may grade students based on their effort and/or their motivation to learn rather than mastery of content. Also, schools within or between districts may compete for students (and tax dollars or tuition) by promoting a reputation for graduating students of a high caliber — those who have higher grades than students in other geographic areas. In addition, some schools simply sell grades to students willing to purchase them. Regardless of how such grades are bestowed, inflated grades do a disservice to students who feel they have earned them and believe they are prepared for college and/or a position in the workforce.