What I think the GP is getting at is that it may not be the case that these students are really that stellar at the other subjects that are failing algebra. It'

What I think the GP is getting at is that it may not be the case that these students are really that stellar at the other subjects that are failing algebra. It's just easier to get passed along. A teacher can more easily allowing gibberish to pass for an analysis of The Great Gatsby than let pass someone's completely wrong attempt at solving a linear equation. It happens. Everyone knows it; it's not a controversial thing.