Who's Sorry Now?

This is my favorite song to post on Facebook on the last day of class, but I don't think I've done it lately. It's without a trace of Schadenfreude that I refer to the song. (That's funny because last week I quizzed them on that word, which was used in the reading on which their final is based. About three out of eighteen knew what it meant.) I tell my students that I don't give them grades; I simply write down the grade they've earned. I make it clear early on in my classes that the responsibility to pass is on them. Still, some are not ready or maybe they don't believe me.

I know that at least one student will be absent tonight and will request some special accommodation to write the final and take the comma test. My inclination is to say no -- unless they're on active duty, in which case I have to say yes. I'm happy to make life easier for our service members, but a few of them have played me, implying they're on active duty when they're actually visiting family or taking a vacation. Fortunately, I have the built-in safeguard of participation points. Regardless of the reason for absence, if students aren't in class, they can't participate.

This post may lead you to believe that I'm rooting for my students to fail. Nothing could be further from the truth. I give my students all the tools they need to succeed and help them as much as I can along the way. I've likely mentioned that when I speak of my kids, I'm often asked to clarify whether I'm talking about my "personal kids" or my students. Regardless of age, each student is under my care, support, and protection while they are part of my class -- and that applies no less to those who serve our country. In fact, maybe it applies more; it is something I can give back to them in appreciation. Earlier today I made peanut-butter oatmeal cookies for my students. They will have sustenance while they take their final exams. More importantly, though, it's another way to show them that I do care, that they're not just faceless attendees passing through until the next batch comes in. For those who didn't succeed this term, I will be a little sorry, but I can't do it all for them. (And they will be more sorry because they'll have to start all over again.)