Anonymous wrote:I am the PP that you responded to on this. I think it's fine to resubmit*sometimes* (hw, for sure, or maybe pop quizzes). But I think you are doing a disservice to the kids by not teaching them some basic study skills..for example, maybe if you have a test, you should study for it a few days before, attend study sessions with the teacher, and do well the first time, instead of asking to take a makeup exam.
And I am speaking as a parent whose kid gets straight A's but has poor study habits. She has taken several (GT) math tests over the last year after doing average the first time (80-85%). Most of the time, it's because she didn't even bother to study. A sense that there aren't second chances for everything would maybe motivate her. She has a ton of other GT friends also with straight A's taking makeups too.
I could care less whether my kid (or anyone else's kid) gets recognition for straight A's. But straight A's should translate to competence and hard work which isn't the case often.
It doesn’t have to be one or the other. You can encourage good study skills and preparation and also allow room for making an attempt, receiving feedback, and going back and re-learning the material properly. I also disagree with you that straight As should have anything to do with hard work. Sometimes understanding comes easily to students. If they have mastered the material they should earn an A. Others might have to put in more effort. That’s fine too. The A indicates mastery and understanding. Every single student will have a different pathway to pursue mastery and understanding, and for many, the retakes are a beneficial pathway. It’s not a reward for working the hardest and it’s also not a competition.