Many middle and high school students in Bend-La Pine Schools are struggling academically due to distance learning, and their grades this fall are suffering, too. About a third of them are failing at least one class. To help these students, the school district is mandating that the lowest grade percentage middle and high school students can receive on an assignment or test is now 50%, instead of 0%. Although thatâs still an F, district leaders say this creates a more equitable grading system, making it easier for students to improve their grade beyond an F. âThe reality is, we have a lot of kids who are struggling,â said Katie Legace, executive director of high schools at Bend-La Pine. âWe decided to implement something that would create an immediate fairness for students.â