How is that doing a student a favor if you fail them? That only makes them feel worse?

Question

Thank God I dropped out after 11th grade. I have more things to look forward now and can now let my life go on.

Answer 1

You're not doing anyone a favor by infantilizing them and telling them they are doing a good job when they are not. That only feeds their sense of entitlement.

Nobody gives a crap about your self-esteem, nor should they. And if you didn't know that, that information was worth more to you than a million dollars.

Answer 2

Do you honestly think that passing a kid along to the next grade, who doesn't have the skills to succeed in that grade, is doing them a favor? If you can't pass 11th grade, what makes you think you'll be able to handle 12th? Or college?

Teachers don't fail kids...kids fail themselves. The teachers are responsible for grading the papers and recording the grades. The kids are responsible for doing the work to earn the grades.

(Now, I'm not saying that every teacher is a good teacher, or that every teacher will teach to your learning style. If you don't understand something about the class, go to the teacher privately and request tutoring. It's your responsibility to let your teacher know that you need help.)

In life, it works the same way. If you're not willing to do the work in college, you don't graduate. If you're not willing to put the work into your job, it doesn't stay yours for long. Teachers are there to prepare you for all of those things you look forward to, to show you what will be expected of you.

Answer 3

Would you really be told that you're doing well when in actuality you're not? Aren't you only fooling yourself? Perhaps the subject someone fails is temporarily over their heads, but, with more reading and maybe a tutor, a person can bridge the gap, and perform on grade level. Knowledge as a body puts everyone on an equal level. Knowing you passed the grade level actually reassures you that you are on a par with everyone else. This common body of knowledge gives us all, and your employer, reassurance that there is a certain level of understanding that can be expected.
There are people who are not "cut out" for the formal academic atmosphere, and actually do better in self-study or in smaller groups. The equivalency diploma is geared for people like that, and for those who are home-schooled. It assures the certain level of knowledge and understanding, and is just as valid as a high-school diploma. There usually are classes available for adults at night who are preparing to take the equivalence exam. maybe you should look into it. When the economy gets tight, employers won't even consider anyone without a diploma for entry level jobs, leaving only the lowest-paid and menial jobs. The diploma also opens the door to technical job training.

Answer 4

It may temporarily make them feel worse, but what good does it do if you pass them to the next class and they don't know the material? The students are there to learn - if they pass and don't learn anything, the whole year was a waste of time. I don't see failing a class as a failure - just a temporary setback, and (hopefully) a lesson learned.
Besides, the teacher doesn't fail you - you do. All I do is enter the grades into the computer that THEY earned.

Answer 5

It sounds to me like your were very discouraged and had a lot of difficulties learning in high school. You have not done yourself a favor by quitting, though. That diploma will make your life sooo much easier. Please look into alternative education opportunities. Get your GED. With the right teacher, you can do it. I know a young man who was told he would not be graduating at the end of his senior year of high school. He was so upset he dropped out. But with encouragement and a good teacher, he completed a GED course and graduated BEFORE the rest of his class finished! Now he is going to college and preparing a future for himself. Please don't give up on yourself. If learning is difficult for you, it means you need a better teacher, and you need to work a little harder. You can do it, and you will build your self esteem in the process!

Answer 6

Do you think coddling teens helps in the real world? If they royally screw up on a job, do you think a boss is going to say "Oh that's okay you lost us a $1M account, here's a raise, just so you don't feel bad about yourself."
You have to EARN the right to go on to the next grade, just as you have to EARN your bonuses and promotions in the real world.
What do you have to look forward to now? Getting a job at McDonald's?

Answer 7

I wish you the best of luck in all you do in the future.