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@ThisIsSethsBlog’s message of “You’re It,” an episode of his Akimbo podcast, is PICK YOURSELF! Take charge of your life. Make your own opportunities.
But I, + countless other students, am not going to pick myself if my grades are on the line.
#SQUIDDquestion #SQUIDDdo #zapfv
But I, + countless other students, am not going to pick myself if my grades are on the line.
#SQUIDDquestion #SQUIDDdo #zapfv
How often do our high schools create an environment for students to pick themselves, to be in charge of their learning, to ask questions and explore answers? From my experience, rarely. A big part of that is because of grades.
I hate grades with my entire being, but it saddens me to admit that they are one of my top priorities. My A’s are all I have right now, and I am very used to doing what is expected and following the rubric for those A’s.
The probability, not possibility, of jeopardizing my grades by picking myself is too high. I will test other boundaries, but I am not ready to go against the school system as a HS junior & when grades and SAT/ACT scores are still such a big part of college admissions.
I want to pick myself because it sounds like a true, empowering & hands-on learning experience, and I will do it OUTSIDE OF HIGH SCHOOL, whether it be on Twitter or when I butcher a cake recipe. (& I’ll do it in college because no one can tell me what to do when I’m 18 
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But do other students realize that they can pick themselves outside of the classroom? Do they know what it even means? How to do it? Do they know how to improv, as @fvavocados pointed out? To create instead of consume? To self-direct their learning instead of regurgitate?
The answer is a big NO. Many HS (& college) students DON’T because an A = not picking yourself. An A = not self-directing your learning. An A = following the rules. Good grades are perceived to be a big part of that ticket to college/good job.
We can’t continue to churn out compliant employees. Grades are gross. Let’s get rid of them and, in doing so, we get rid of students’ fear to pick themselves.
Getting rid of grades won’t be easy bc they’re deeply entrenched in our school system & it has to be a system-wide change, but it’s worth it because it means giving students a real purpose to learn, create, question, and lead.
