Report cards show spike in failing grades as some states continue online learning

More F's than usual are appearing on fall report cards, as the now, roughly 9-month-old pandemic continues to take its toll on education across the country.

School districts are reporting that mid-year grades, most of them out this month, are much lower compared to previous years. And failing grades are two to three times higher than in past years, according to an Associated Press report this week. 

The principal of an Oregon high school reported that in a normal year about 8% of students have failing grades at the end of October. This year, the principal reports, 38% of students were failing in October.

"It is tragic to see what's happening after months and months of schools being closed down, of not reopening again this fall like they had been urged and encouraged to do," Education Secretary Betsy DeVoss told Fox News on Wednesday, in response to the wire service report and similar ones recently about lower grades, as much on the learning during the pandemic occurs online. 

"It's not a surprise that we're seeing tragic results among children today," she also said. "The conclusion is schools have got to reopen, particularly for the kids who are most vulnerable."

A study from northern Virginia's Fairfax County found an 83% rise in the number of students with two or more "F's. 

The lower grade ares being attributed in large part to online students skipping school, missing assignments or just not understanding the material being taught on Zoom calls.

English language learners and disabled or disadvantaged students are among the hardest hit, with poor internet access cited as a frequent problem or disadvantage. The shutdown of many public schools is also creating an increasing education gap because more private schools are allowed to stay open.

Hundreds of students are receiving not only F's, but 0% on assignments, meaning they didn't even attempt to submit any work and were not participating in the class, the wire service also reported. As a result, some districts are changing grading policies, assigning less homework and increasing outreach efforts to support struggling students.