This does not stop at the High School level, but is also present in college.  Through my experiences in undergraduate studies, I have noticed it can be fairly easy to "idle" thru many courses.  Even in an Honors class.  I was able to write papers at the last minute and nearly receive full credit.  I have been told the regular English classes are even easier.  This trend is weakening many students' learning, worse is the fact that the student is usually unaware of this startling trend.

One grave side effect that can be viewed almost anywhere is ignorance.  Scientific and mathematical ignorance is one of the most noticeable examples.  Remember the environmental treaty that President Bush refused to sign?  This has good cause, because developing nations are polluting more than the US, and they were not included in the cut backs on emissions (therefore rendering the treaty as practically useless as far as the environment is concerned).  It takes scientific and mathematical understanding, as well as common sense to realize that signing the treaty would have done little if nothing to help our environment.  The main problem is that there is a weak knowledge of scientific applications that do not allow a cheated student the ability to comprehend issues that involve science.  Many shun space exploration because there are problems at home, not thinking that we can explore and still solve other problems with more efficient action, also not aware of the many dangers space presents to our tiny planet.  Furthermore, even in this time of technological revolution, many still don't want a hybrid vehicle because they falsely believe it must be plugged in.  Poorly covered subjects may lead to lower test scores, but also creates large unnecessary gaps in understanding.

No good comes from low standards in school.  The less a student is challenged, the less a student will learn.  The products are wasted tax dollars, ignorant former students, and a less skilled and literate public at large.  There is no easy fix.  Standards need to be raised and students need to be failed (if just on a paper) as soon as and whenever they fall behind academically.  This will help students to strive to become better and will not falsely lead our youth to believe they have what it takes.  These "failures" must also be offset by encouragement, aid, and discipline from the teacher.  This balance must be regained in order to refine the knowledge of America.  Aside from actually failing and supporting students when needed, reinstating the 5 point grading system could be a great ally.  Only time and experimentation can show what methods work best, but one thing is certain: our standards must be raised in order to better help students and this nation communicate well and understand the matters at hand.