The Standout Student

Day 41:

Last week my students took a test covering two chapters. A handful of students scored at 69% or below. The reason behind such poor performances for these students could stem from any number of sources. The critical point is helping them to regain a positive academic stride.

In an effort to help get them back on track I decided to, for the first time ever in my teaching, offer a re-do. I spoke to those scoring a D or F on the test and offered them a re-do on their test if they committed to coming in tomorrow at lunch for a study session and then again on Friday at lunch to retake the test.

In making this offering I told them the choice was entirely up to them, but that once they signed next to their name, they were committed.

All but one signed up.

I’m not sure how I feel about the response.

On the one hand I’m impressed at how interested/committed these students are in repairing their grade; I don’t know that I was this interested or concerned with grades when I was their age.

On the other hand I’m saddened by the seemingly blatant disregard by the one.
I think today I learned that as teachers there is only so much we can do to help students with their grades.

During my teacher training a professor of mine once said, “As a teacher there will be times where you have to be willing to let students chose to fail. It’s sad, but it’s their choice – you can do nothing about that.”

I think I learned today that his statement is truer than I want it to be.
I know I learned today that I am choosing to not give up on that one…