SL English Comp - anyone ever ask for a zero?

[cookderosa]

To be more specific, I also talked in live chat and e-mailed someone in the English department and both times I was told they couldn't give me a zero/incomplete on any of the assignments regardless of my passing grade (I even told them I was really close to my graduation deadline and needed it, but they were firm on requiring assignments to be completed).

Yes, that was exactly my question. Thanks again!!

[cookderosa]

Does this mean, in theory, that one could simply write a rather abysmal paper in an hour with very few sources and submit it to get a low grade? Or do they have quality control of some kind to require re-sumbittal if it isn't at a minimum caliber of work?

Both of my sons have had to resubmit papers in English 1. That hasn't happened in English 2. They absolutely kick back papers that are not either word count, on topic, or meet the paper's requirements. Which is why it's less than helpful when people who aren't even familiar with what's being asked offer their advice. But oh well, I'm triggered today for a whole 'nuther reason. lol.

[Nixi]

Yes, that was exactly my question. Thanks again!!

Glad to help! In my experience, the essay with the most BS'ability was the Illustration essay. Took me 10 minutes to write it out and I got a 90.

[a2jc4life]

I've read about 1/3 of the replies here, not all of them. I agree with those who said that different kids need different lessons, and while "finishing what you start" or "doing your best work" might be priorities for some to learn, others are actually better off learning that time is finite and although we strive for excellence overall, not everything in life can be done to the same standard of perfection because there simply isn't that much time.

From an academic perspective, I don't know how SL works, specifically, but my online school (actual, accredited college) has a policy of allow for a certain percentage of non-critical assignments to be waived. (i.e. you can't just skip the final exam or something, but 100% of regular assignments don't actually have to be completed) I assume because they understand that life happens -- people get sick, computers crash, etc., and sometimes it's better to cut your losses, skip something and move on than to do shoddy work on multiple weeks' assignments because you're trying to catch up and doing it poorly. So it's not an unheard-of concept in the academic world to skip a couple of assignments.

[ladylearner]

I've read about 1/3 of the replies here, not all of them. I agree with those who said that different kids need different lessons, and while "finishing what you start" or "doing your best work" might be priorities for some to learn, others are actually better off learning that time is finite and although we strive for excellence overall, not everything in life can be done to the same standard of perfection because there simply isn't that much time.

From an academic perspective, I don't know how SL works, specifically, but my online school (actual, accredited college) has a policy of allow for a certain percentage of non-critical assignments to be waived. (i.e. you can't just skip the final exam or something, but 100% of regular assignments don't actually have to be completed) I assume because they understand that life happens -- people get sick, computers crash, etc., and sometimes it's better to cut your losses, skip something and move on than to do shoddy work on multiple weeks' assignments because you're trying to catch up and doing it poorly. So it's not an unheard-of concept in the academic world to skip a couple of assignments.

I agree, Rachel. I'll admit that my initial thought was that the little guy could/should finish. But then a few seconds after reading I remembered that Jennifer is both his mom and his teacher/curriculum designer. She is taking this route because it makes the most sense for her son/student, and a good teacher does what is best for her student, adapting as needed.

Besides, her question was regarding the way Straighterline works - not our opinions lol