What's a diploma worth in Massachusetts? Without a state test requirement, graduation rates -- but not test scores -- are way up in Boston.

When schools expect less, students do less and learn less. Try-hard students are even rarer.

Dual enrollment helps Texas students do well after graduation, but taking college-prep classes has no benefit, says a new study.

Inflating grades and dumbing-down tests is giving high achievers no way to show their competence.

Harvard's faculty is considering putting a 20 percent cap on A grades.

Students who receive good grades for mediocre work tend to learn and earn less in the long run.

So many Harvard students earn A's they university may add an A+ grade to signify excellence.

Relying on AI to do the math for you is "a recipe for idiocracy."

A third of high school graduates (or less) are ready for college math and reading, but a majority will enroll in four-year colleges.

Harvard students are distressed by the prospect of tougher grading standards.

Teachers don't like grading "reforms" that lower expectations.

The SAT, and soon the ACT, are changing to cater to students with short attention spans.

College students don't spend much time studying or working for pay, but expect high grades for little effort.

The University of Austin will guarantee admissions to students with very high test scores.

As achievement falls, the "honesty gap" grows.

Passing special-ed students along with high grades and a diploma -- but no effective instruction --doesn't do them any favors.

Parents overestimate how well their children are doing in school.

Teenagers are working less and earning higher grades. Everybody's "phoning it in."

Taking AP Calculus is almost obligatory for students applying for top colleges, even if they aren't interested in math or science majors.

A deaf student with 3rd-4th-grade reading and math skills was given high grades and a diploma, ending special-ed services.