WyBlog

The others have "F"

Anyone who went to Cedar Grove High School in the 60's, 70's or 80's has heard that line courtesy of Mrs. Lehr. She would recite the grades by student name after every test, First the A's, delivered with praise. Then B's, C's, and D's. If she didn't call your name you already knew, but of course she made it official — "The others have 'F'."

Teachers have to worry about damaging Little Johnny's feelings now so the days of publicly posting or reciting grades are sadly over. It sure was a powerful motivator though. Nobody wanted to be included with "the others". And when you were in that "A" list you were on top of the world.

The Mount Olive, NJ school district is poised to perhaps introduce some of that motivation back into the classroom. No more D grades.

If it works this could be a great way to encourage the underachievers to up their game. Or it could simply lead to grade inflation as the D morphs into a C so Little Johnny's self esteem remains intact.

I hope Superintendent Reynolds has the backbone to stand up to those who would make excuses for the D students.

Twice in one week I get to quote Master Yoda! "Do, or not do. There is no try."

Or if you prefer, Dean Wormer: "Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life son."

A grade of D just isn't good enough anymore. The days of the kid who squeaked by in school landing that $28/hr factory job are long gone. In our world a C barely cuts the mustard. And I don't buy the premise that some kids can't do better than a D. It's time to replace the false platitudes which come from the "everybody gets a trophy" mentality and replace them with the actual sense of accomplishment you get from putting in the effort and seeing concrete results.

Because in the end there really is no substitute for hard work. Just ask Mrs. Lehr.

Posted at 11:10 by Chris Wysocki   [/education]   Comments | Archived | Perm Link |
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