Imagine a world where your boss no longer docks your pay for poor performance, or requires you to demonstrate required job skills. Sound farfetched? Not if you apply techniques recommended to teachers who want “great high schools.”
I recently received an e-mail asking teachers to consider eliminating the practice of giving zeroes. The e-mail centers on an article authored by Tim R. Westerberg. In “Becoming a great high school,” Westerberg writes that great high schools don’t give out zeroes “for work not turned in.”
With all due respect, students, or anyone, should not be rewarded for lack of performance.
Have we lost accountability in America? Westerberg believes students who don’t turn in school work shouldn’t be penalized because it will be de-motivating.
High schools prepare students for the next level. Abandoning accountability will send students ill prepared for the working world.
I wonder if Westerberg ever held a position beyond academia.
About 70 percent of Manatee County students will enter the work force from high school.
Would you want a co-worker who was prepped to do nothing yet expect pay?
Would you be more concerned with an employee’s feelings or their under-performance?
I teach a vocational curriculum; endorsing zero accountability will get them fired.
Instead, we should instill in them a solid work ethic they can carry with them in life.
If my students become good, productive citizens and workers, then I’ve reached my goal.
A friend used to tell me America is living in a “C-minus society.” Because of the wonderful students I’ve had over the years, I used to argue the point. But if we lower the standard, demand less, don’t expect respect or tell students to pull up their pants, then I’m afraid C-minus is a stopping point on a downward spiral.
Antonino Fabiano, Manatee County teacher Bradenton
School board should reject a no-zeroes grading policy
That headline “Educators debate the value of zeroes” hit me like a ton of bricks. What kind of educators are these? Are they teaching our children “no matter what you do, we will not allow you to fail?” Utter nonsense. I think the fault lies with the “educator.”
Having been educated in the teacher field, I cringed when I saw this.
Homework is absolutely necessary and needs to be done. It’s a responsibility given to the student.
If one does not adhere to this and is given a pass, it will give the student the idea it’s OK if you don’t do what you are supposed to do because it won’t impact on him/her.
Just what we need to encourage in our young people, is it?
Students have to know that it is their choice to pass or fail and if they choose the latter, they deserve what they get. Needless to say, it will not be fair to those who do adhere to this responsibility.
Members of the school board and superintendent of schools, please do not let this happen.
Email Story
Printer Friendly 
Quick Job Search
@Nyx.replyAnswerText@