As one of several grading reforms implemented by CCSD, a new “no-late work” policy has been enacted for students. Part of the many changes of the school year, the policy is to help students achieve their full potential academically.
“You shouldn’t be getting penalized for your behavior in your grade,” Principal Donna Levy said. “It’s about you demonstrating to whomever needs to know that you understand this topic.”
Many teachers have had to adapt to a more strenuous workload as a result of students turning work in later than they would otherwise.
“It is definitely causing teachers a lot of work,” Levy said. “They have to continuously take in things that should’ve been done and moving on to the next and then they have to keep grading.”
Although the policy is more lenient, some students have been trying harder to complete their work on time.
“I’m not the type of student to have late work in general,” junior Annie Lin said. “If anything, my workflow is still the same because even though there is this policy, having late work still affects citizenship grades.”
A few students are finding that the policy is helping them balance schoolwork and extracurricular activities.
“Sometimes I don’t have time to do any work because I have soccer after school,” sophomore Daphney Garcia said. “It helps relieve stress and gives me time to catch up.”
Despite students finding the policy is helpful, some teachers report having trouble convincing their students about assignment importance.
“I have to make a case as to why it is essential to do the formative assessments,” English teacher Laura Penrod said. “I don’t have time to go back and give feedback the same way I do when the assignment is turned in on time. Students don’t have the intrinsic motivation to complete assignments that have no point/grade value. We also should not have implemented this directly after being gone from the pandemic and/or been more gradual about it.”
Some teachers think that the policy is a great opportunity for students to reach their full potential.
“As far as letting students redo assignments, I’m all for it,” Graphic Design teacher Jeffrey Ball said. “As we work through our materials, students gain more skill, more information, and a deeper understanding of the things we’ve been building on.”
In an effort to help their students, teachers are coming up with ways, such as using Canvas reminders to encourage work to be turned in on time.
“I see grades look a little better right now, I’m hoping that’s because of the retake policy,” Levy said. “I want to see students understanding content and this is all about that, taking behavior out of grades.”
