But that’s not enough. Teachers also hope that students will then feel, “Sweeny’s a good guy and he’s not trying to waste my time. I’ll put in some effort to learn.” You don’t want the students to feel, “If you really want me to pass, just pass me. I don’t want to put in much effort, and if you don’t pass me, I’ll know that you really aren’t on my side.”

This is a situation where standardized tests can be helpful. Teachers can always make their own tests and assignments easy enough (or generously graded enough) to pass as many people as the teacher wishes. It really is up to the teacher who passes and who doesn’t. But if students have to pass a test that’s out of the teachers hands, he’s not the meanie if you fail. In fact, if he can help you pass it …

(Alas, the bifurcations continue. A teacher can help kids pass by teaching them tricks and doing mindless (semi-mindless?) drill. Or he can actually get them to understand. In general, the first is easier.)