The National Bureau of Economic Research recently released a new study analyzing the long-term negative effects of grade inflation in the US. While standardized test scores continue to fall, student GPAs have increased, pointing to harmful grade inflation in our K-12 schools. Researchers found that each teacher who inflates their student’s grades decreases their students’ potential lifetime earnings by just over $200,000.

The results of this study are alarming. Grade inflation not only affects a student’s immediate life trajectory, but also the long-term outcome of a student’s life. Educators have a responsibility to help students reach their full potential by holding them to high standards. It’s time for the education system to start helping students rather than harming them.