Total disservice
How many is too many? Regarding what? Anything. In this case, how many is too many chances? How many times do we allow students to redo an assignment? How many times do we beg them to complete an assignment? How long do they get to complete make-up work when they are absent? We have a make-up policy. Why is it not a strict policy? How many times do we beg them to attend grade recovery?
Isn’t it our responsibility to teach students to be responsible? Isn’t part of being responsible completing your work, on time? I firmly believe that students deserve a second chance. I have given my students numerous opportunities to redeem themselves. Why is it that we now HAVE to give them another chance? They’ve had second, third, and fourth chances. Now we do it again? Now we pay for it? Pay for extended school. Pay for summer school. Pay for the transportation. Pay for the snack. Pay for the teachers to do it. At least they ARE willing to pay teachers. I just feel like they are flushing money down the toilet. I know, I know…NCLB. These kids aren’t being left behind, they jumped off the bus.
At what point do we let them fall on their behind and become accountable for their actions…or lack there of? I don’t get it! I just don’t. I have given them at least three specific opportunities to make up ANY zero on their grade report. In addition, all students below 70 at term 3 were given a folder with all recovery work in it. They signed a contract saying they would do the work, come to tutoring, complete all work from here out, and not be a behavior problem. Most didn’t fully keep the agreement or they didn’t complete the entire folder. I gave credit for what they did do. Some didn’t bother to do the recovery work. I’ve given two extra credit projects. Only five takers on those.
Here we are with two weeks left and we have to do it all again. Forget the fact that some haven’t done a blasted thing for 16 weeks and they’ve done everything in their power to make life hell for teachers and classmates. I know I am lacking in compassion here, but I’m fed up. We are doing a complete disservice to these kids by not holding them accountable and by teaching them that you don’t have to do anything during the regular year because we will give you extended school if you will complete everything in a few days time.
It’s just wrong. It is also a load of work to do at a time when life is stressful enough.
May 14 2007 11:27 pm | Private
May 15th, 2007 at 11:09 am
Girl I agree with you 110%! In the real world there is no redo and no second third or fourth chance. So just my little 2 cents, school should teach them for the real world and there you have to do your work to get paid to pay the bills. Sorry will not cut it.
You know anyone who reads your blogs knows how much your students mean to you and it’s a shame that they don’t get how much you care and that you are trying to teach them for the real world. My favorite teacher was my English teacher and English was not my favorite class, but she taught me something that had nothing to do with English. She went through a bad and very public divorce and the way she held herself and handled herself made me want to be a better person so hang in there. There’s a student that one day will remember and realize what a great teacher they had in you.
May 17th, 2007 at 11:03 am
Although grace is nice, to be appreciated it can’t be automatic and sooner or later, we need to take some responsibility! Hold their feet to the fire Kontan.
When I was in school, I remember getting very mad with one professor who granted easy extensions with no consequences. I got my work in on time while working a job at the same time–and ended up with a lower grade than several others who weren’t working outside of school and got their work in late. I’m sure I’d gotten a 4 point if I’d turned mine in late, but I turned it in when it was due. Other profs were hardnosed about assignment times, and I liked them better!
May 18th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
How do you be hardnosed when it is admin telling you that you have to do recovery?!?! AGAIN! I refuse to give higher than a 70 on it. Not fair to do otherwise.