Do Some Students Ever Deserve a Zero?

Do Some Students Ever Deserve a Zero?

According to physics teacher, Lynden Dorval, the answer is yes.  When students do not turn in assignments, their mark should be a zero. Articles in this weekend’s newspapers say that Dorval did not follow the School District policy of a no-zero grading practice.

This policy says that when students have not handed in assignments the teachers must pursue student to arrange for late assignments to be completed. If a student does not turn in his work, his report card will not indicate a zero but rather “unable to evaluate.”

This, despite the fact that these kids may be preparing to go on to post secondary education where no-one will pursue them to ensure that they get the work done.

This, despite the fact that some kids will be heading to a workplace where ignoring work that needs to be done and missing deadlines will lead to firing.

This, despite the fact that these young people are preparing to be responsible and accountable young men and women which means doing what it expected in a timely manner.

This policy is doing nothing to help kids become capable young men and women and we should be outraged.

If you want to talk more about this story just call me, Kathy Lynn at604-258-9074.

Kathy Lynn

Parenting speaker and author of But Nobody Told Me I’d Ever Have to Leave Home: From Toddlers to Teens, How Parents Can Raise Children to Become Capable Adults.