I think these kids have been failures for so long that they will consider mediocrity to be several steps up. It might even inspire them to become a "B" on their own once they get excited about their "C".

It may be that Mr. Perry wanted to put it within reach of these kids so that more students would sign up for the program. If you tell an "F" student that they have to make a "B", that might seem unattainable. But make it a "C", and it seems within their grasp.

I have to give credit to Mr. Perry. At least he's doing something to try to inspire these kids to do better.