This year I have increased student achievement in my classroom by focusing on what students value even more than grades......TIME.

 

I finally came to the realization that, for most students, time is a greater motivator than grades.  Now I understand that there are many students that focus on grades.  I am talking about students that simply want to pass.  These are the students that may miss an occasional assignment or do not study or prepare for quizzes, tests, etc.  They know how to do enough to get from class to class, year to year.

 

My approach is that I routinely give evaluations (1-2 a marking period) where students receive either a 100% or an incomplete.  Here is the catch, I only offer one opportunity during class time.  If you do not get a 100%, you need to come in during the daily tutorial time that we offer, from 7:55-8:25.  You may retake it as many times as needed, until you achieve a 100%.  At the end of the marking period, any incompletes will be displayed on the students report card.  Once report cards are sent out, students still need to score 100% on the evaluation, but it is recorded as a 50% (late) and then their grade is amended. 

 

As an educator, I am tired of spending hours of time planning and preparing, and then having students satisfied with simply passing.  These evaluations where I demand perfection, along with the opportunity to make up other missed work for half credit, encourage all students to achieve in my classroom for a price.  And that price....TIME!