Second Chances, BS, and class administration

[ashling]

I went to a parent night at my daughter's HS some years back. Her English teacher asserted that she never accepted late papers. She had convinced herself that she was teaching a valuable lesson: "There are NO SECOND CHANCES IN LIFE" I left the classroom shaking my head - not because she required everything to be in on time - she has to administer her class in a way that works and because she is the one who would have to grade all those late papers -- but because she was so damned sure that there were no second chances. I am not religious, but I thought to myself "I pray that you live long enough and love deeply enough to realize that there ARE second chances in life"

I gave an online test last week in my online government classes. The College requires that they take a certain number of exams that are proctored in the testing center - pretty standard fare. A number of students informed me Friday evening that they had not been able to take the test because they hadn't realized that the testing center closed early on Friday. Most of them admitted that they were negligent in not being familiar with the testing center guidelines and hours - which is, of course, true - and they were very contrite.

I let them sweat it out a while and then posted a notice that because there were quite a few who had been unable to take it for this reason that they could take it Monday. What I didn't say is that I always leave the first test open because there are always a few lost souls that can't quite get it all together.

For those who think this is too lenient and that I am a patsy, you are probably right - at least about the patsy part -but I find that these things sort themselves out. The cream always rises to the top.

Anyway, I got an email from a student suggesting that it might be a good idea to give a bonus to those who took it on time (i.e., him) I will avoid the obvious Wall Street bonus reference here. LOL His suggestion is as follows:

I just read your new post about extending the test dates for those who did not realize when the testing center was open on Friday. For those of us that did not neglect our duty to know when the testing center was open, even though it is clearly posted on the class site and the college webesite, would it be too much to ask for a few bonus points? It could be a learning tool for those who were not so enlightened on the times available, and a reward for those of us that payed attention to such things that could affect our grade in this course. Perhaps the unfortunate souls that missed the test could be taught a lesson about Government. A lesson such as, "the laws of the classroom can be lenient but those who follow the path set forth implicitly will reap greater rewards." Just a thought.

Here is my reply:

I am sorry for taking so long to return your email. I was so touched by your concern for the lessons being given to "unfortunate souls" that I had to take a moment. I'm sure that your consideration is from the realization that you might find yourself among their number someday. I assure you that, as you have so eloquently stated, "those who follow the path set forth implicitly will reap greater rewards." I also assure you that I am perfectly capable of administering this class. LOL Just a thought.

[OmahaBlueDog]

1. Here's what I'm sure of

I went to a parent night at my daughter's HS some years back. Her English teacher asserted that she never accepted late papers. She had convinced herself that she was teaching a valuable lesson: "There are NO SECOND CHANCES IN LIFE" I left the classroom shaking my head - not because she required everything to be in on time - she has to administer her class in a way that works and because she is the one who would have to grade all those late papers -- but because she was so damned sure that there were no second chances. I am not religious, but I thought to myself "I pray that you live long enough and love deeply enough to realize that there ARE second chances in life"

People miss deadlines all the time. Closings get pushed back, trials get continued, surgery gets rescheduled. Unless we're talking emergency surgery, damn near everything gets delayed. Here's my philosophy with teachers like that: if they have a problem with my kid, I ask them niecly to reconsider -- once. Then I bypass the Principal, his/her boss, and the Superintendent. I remind the entire school board that a) I pay taxes, b) I vote, and c) I'm highly displeased, and explain my problem. To a one, they will all bitch that I've gone out of channels and I should have worked my way up the food chain, but invariably, my problem gets solved.

..and that, my dear English teacher, is a valuable life lesson I have for you.