That is ridiculous! If there is one thing that children should learn is the consequences of their actions (or in the case of a failing grade--inactions usually in the form of not studying!). Removing the word seems to be just coddling a child, imo. I do think that children should be encourage to try harder but sometimes, they need that failing grade to stimulate the correct response...

Stephanie

In every man there is something wherein I may learn of him, and in that I am his pupil.--Ralph Waldo Emerson