Does rounding up an F to 50 percent help, or harm, struggling students?

Is 50 the new 0? Some schools now give a minimum semester score of 50 percent to all failing students, whether their actual numerical average is 50, 30, or even 0. The idea is to give struggling students a chance to improve their grade and pass the class, which might not otherwise be possible for those who have done poorly in the first part of the year.

Those in favor of the "minimum F" argue that this grade inflation gives students an incentive to work harder to pass the class, and they point out that 50 percent is still failing. But opponents of the practice feel that students should not receive more credit than they've earned and that this padding encourages some students to slack off. They also worry that this practice will not prepare students for the challenges of college and the workforce. Should all failing students receive a grade of 50 percent? Tell us what you think!