Reply #4: I concur with every thing you've stated here.

[southerncrone]

There is a time & place for D's, F's & I's. I feel like this "Power of I" may be more about a CYA method for teachers & school systems. In that respect, I'll comply, because we teachers are ALWAYS blamed as the scapegoat on any thing that goes wrong for a kid these days. If it affords us some type of relief (albeit temporary) from that pressure, then good. My fear is that it will be a nightmare trying to keep up with all the "I's" out there & loads of regrading....as you state something that many teachers have a hard time keeping control of already. I will include myself in that group. The sheer amount of paperwork required today in CTE (my area) is overwhelming. I am for giving kids with extenuating circumstances all the breaks they need (such as your example); it is often appropiate.

The problem we are concerned about is when do kids begin to learn personal responsibility if not by the time they reach HS? When they go to college or the work force out of high school, they are expected to have that quality in place. We are being hammered already that our graduates are not displaying that quality, & are not prepared for post-secondary work or schooling. We see this as an enabling policy that will keep kids from developing personal responsibility.

In the end, they can end up w/F as the final grade anyway, if they don't perform properly by some as-of-yet-predetermined time. WE fear it is just increasing our already over-loaded plate, perhaps for naught.


Edited for typos.