Zero Tolerance!

And so continues the debate about assigning students a zero for assignments that are never submitted.  Over the last few years there has been a policy about avoiding zeros all together.  Although the hounding, chasing, reminding and reprimanding of students who fail to hand in assignments can be tiring and stressful (for parents and teachers) there was one particular incident that made me laugh and gave me hope!

It was an end of unit culminating task for history and report card deadlines were looming.  There were a few students that had not completed the task and I had been chasing them for weeks! On one particular day I pulled a very bright young boy, Chris, out of his math class to ask him if his project was done.  Of course, not surprisingly, he said no.  His expression conveyed the lack of interest and downright annoyance at being asked this yet again.  I explained about his report card mark and how much weight this assignment held.  I even threw in the inspirational bit about being proud of accomplishing something and persevering at something difficult.  After hearing this for the umpteenth time he really didn't care and said, "Mrs. C, just give me a zero please.  It would be easier to get a zero because I really don't want to do the assignment."  I told him that that was not an option and I don't let my students give up.  (However, I did leave out the part about not be able to enter a zero into my markbook.)  I informed Chris that I would be calling his parents once again and I expected the assignment to be on my desk by Monday.

I called.  No answer.  As I listened to the answering machine I wondered about how much to say after the beep.  "Hello, this is Mrs. C.  I am calling to let you know that Chris still has one outstanding assignment.  I spoke with him today and he has asked to receive a zero.  I told him to have his assignment in by Monday.  If you have any questions please call me at the school.  Have a great day!"

Chris' mom called back but I was teaching so she left a message on my voice mail.  I saved it for three years and listened to it at least once a week!

In a very cheerful, yet sarcastic tone she said the following:
"Good afternoon Mrs. C.  I was surprised to hear from you, as when I awoke this morning I expected ZERO calls from the school.  But still what a beautiful day outside, I was happy to see that unlike the forecast there was ZERO rainfall this morning.  I bet it is hard when ZERO students are able to go outside for recess.  I will be speaking with Chris this evening.  This conversation will take place as soon as I get home and will interrupt his after school activities.  I hope he isn't bothered by ZERO t.v. and ZERO video games.  I assure you he will have his project in by Monday.  Looks like he will be experiencing his new favourite number all weekend.  Until his history is done to my standards he will have ZERO hockey, ZERO bike rides with his friends and ZERO dessert! Thank you so much for calling.  I wish you a great rest of the day with ZERO problems."

I got the assignment on Monday.