Being a teacher is not easy as some may think. Besides the lesson planning, the meetings, and the dreadful seating chart, the assignments and assessments have to meet goals and objectives. But just like a standardized test, the goals and objectives cannot be the same for each student. Every student is different (not just by learning abilities but in every way). Every time we begin an essay, I say to the students that they are being measured against themselves, individually, not against another student. Standardized work is a basic formula to test students at the same level. However, as educators, we cannot do that, especially in our classrooms. We know our students; we know what they can and need help in achieving.
I have gone away from assigning homework for the past few years. When students were given homework in my class, most was either not completed, done incorrectly, and/or students needed questions answered when a teacher was not available. For this reason, if the assignment was important enough to complete, it was completed in class where I can assist students and answer questions as needed. The most recent assessment (the research paper) tested my ability as a teacher.
I am sure there are many educators that won't agree with my decision but this was the first year I had approximately 20% (yes, you read that correctly) of students not submit their research paper after having 30 school days (in class) to work. I struggled with this number. I thought about what I could have done differently. Was there anything that wasn't explained. I did come to the realization that this was not about me but about student responsibility.
Responsibility is an important soft skill that is needed at any age. When my 10-year old son is getting ready for school, I told him that it was his responsibility to make sure he has everything he needs for school that day, including his lunch. Responsibility is learned not necessarily taught. So today, I entered the failing grades to the students who did not complete their research paper. We always have that angel on one shoulder who says to give the students another third chance and the devil on the other who says they earned the failing grade. I knew that emails and phone calls would come from frantic parents. This was my most important teaching moment.
Students who did not complete the assessment would write an email to their parents / guardians, copy their counselor on it, as well as me, and explain why the assignment was not completed by the due date. Students will also need to explain how they spent time in class. Let me reiterate that this is NOT a punishment or consequence. It is a teaching moment. I believe students need to take responsibility for their actions; they need to understand about accountability for their actions. Because neither of these actions can be taught by a teacher, they can be learned from their actions. Once the email is written and sent, students will be able to submit their paper for a grade.
Teachers know their students; they know their ability; they know their actions. As a secondary education teacher, my job is teaching students to be successful once they leave high school. And if I cannot hold true to my morals and ethics, then why am I a teacher?
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