Perhaps most appallingly, one school — part of KIPP, America’s most extensive charter-school system, consisting of over 270 schools — sent an email instructing teachers to “update [a] grade to above a 50 percent” regardless of completion, and other KIPP schools have followed suit. KIPP initially committed to exacting academic and behavioral standards but has ultimately yielded to progressive criticism. The participation trophy has reached the report card.

This fad is so patently idiotic that I’m struggling to criticize it. Is it even worth reasoning against someone who advocates including nails on the lunch menu?

What does this fad accomplish? It communicates to students that life has no consequences, that they should be rewarded and coddled regardless of effort, and that excellence isn’t worth the pursuit. It incentivizes skipping projects, tests, or essays and discourages kids who would otherwise seek extra help or test corrections if a zero weighed heavily on their final grade.