Amos, the grade of "E" in the school district where I taught indicated a failing grade.

A = Excellent, B = Good, C = Acceptable, and D = Poor. The use to the "E" was merely a progression through the alphabet. There was an addition grade of "S," which indicated that the student had completed the work, but it was of such a nature that it indicated that he or she would not be going on to college. And, of course, "I," which indicated "Incomplete." The student had not finished the course.

I agree that "F" would be more specific, as in "F = Fail." This, of course, is what was intended. The "D" for content, as I mentioned above, was pure mercy in my part. Undeserved. But that was my method (undoubtedly in vain) of attempting to encourage the student to do better. Hope springs eternal.

Peace, although I like to think of myself as looking like a young Audrey Hepburn (at one time, it believe I did), I must confess, I AM a bit sensitive about the word "broad."