Full Speed Mistake

The problem I've wrestled with the "no zero" policy for most of my educational career. As a teacher, I fought against it, holding fast to an idea that giving zeros for missing work was an effective way to reward students who meet deadlines and influenced change in those that didn't. That zero really could be a wake up call, alerting students and parents to a potential problem. It was  only at the very end, probably my last 3 years, that I realized that what was happening was not exactly what I was hoping for.  Yes, my top end kids really responded to their grade suddenly and dramatically dropping. But for my middle of the road students, that same dramatic drop was a too often a death sentence. Once they fell below a C it was all but over. Sometimes this was not even after the 1st quarter was finished. No matter how well they did the remainder of the way, they simply could not overcome the mathematical consequences of a zero. And for my at risk students, well t

The all-staff welcome back meeting in the Fall is one of my favorite things to do as an administrator. I love breaking break with those that will soon work their magic with our students. Hearing about their summer adventures and plans for their classes is exciting and energizing. In fact, every part of the morning is wonderful...with the exception of going over the required District compliance items. Since we have to do them, we might as well get the most out our time together. This year I plan to present the following point scoring opportunities. As with all gamification efforts, the goal is to increase the overall engagement and enjoyment of the learner. I'll let you know how it turns out.