(The Center Square) – Flushing High School in New York City is under investigation by New York City Public Schools following claims from teachers that students are being given passing grades despite failing math courses and exams.
In an email sent to QNS, a spokesperson for New York City Public Schools confirmed the agency is “actively investigating this specific math grading issue.” The inquiry comes after multiple teachers raised concerns about grading practices they say undermine academic standards and student accountability.
Teachers at Flushing High School argue that the school’s grading policy discourages students who put in consistent effort. According to those educators, students who fail tests and assignments often receive similar passing grades as peers who complete little or no work, creating what they describe as an inequitable learning environment.
Flushing teachers who spoke to QNS said students frequently fail exams and other assignments, but still receive passing grades even when they fail the New York State Regents Exams. Under the Flushing math department’s grading policy, students who earn a one out of a zero to four scale still will get a 65 passing grade.
“It just seems like expectations have become lower,” one teacher said. “It’s becoming easier to get a passing grade just based on what the administration expects teachers to be doing.”
Teachers further claimed that while only about 30% of students pass the New York State Regents Exams, approximately 70% are still being pushed toward graduation.
According to Niche, the average American College Testing scores for Flushing is a 22. The highest possible score is 36. The school holds an overall academic rating of C, based on test scores and survey responses from students and parents.
The Center Square reached out to Flushing High School and the New York City Public Schools for comment, but has yet to get a response.
