Format and title inspired by today’s Slice of Life featured teacher writer, Maureen.
Grades. They seem to define middle school and the kids within. It's all they seem to care about, It's all they seem to see. I hate grades but I am required to have ten Per quarter for both subjects I teach. Ten subjective, non-specific grades that can cause: stress arguments groundings awards social stigma self-worth "They aren't that important!" I want to shout. "They don't define you!" I want to scream. "Sometimes, I completely make them up," I whisper. Don't put so much pressure on yourself Or your child Because of grades. There are so many other important things to notice, What did you learn today? What ignited passion in you today? What confused you today? What mistake did you make today? How did you grow today? Grades. A cruel fate not only for kids but also for teachers.
Slices of Life 
This speaks so much truth! Thank you for saying what we are all thinking. I love how you turned it around at the end to pose the questions that really matter.
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Grades. A cruel fate not only for
kids
but also
for teachers.
The above words are so true. You couldn’t have said it better.
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Always fighting the grade fight.
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Oh yes! And though you are writing about middle school, I can assure you that this continues into high school. I’m currently teaching one class of 12th grade English and – oh! – how I wish they could let go, just a little, and learn. I feel like we should post your list of questions on the board & just leave it at that.
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You hit the nail on the head! I hate having to give grades. There is so much more to life!
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