Question

If schools were to embrace Sherry’s argument and begin flunking students who are not performing at expected levels, the default expectation that every student will pass might be reversed. What risks, if any, would such a change pose for students? What changes might be implemented to help students overcome the risks?

Answer 1

Failing students for poor performance can harm them by making them afraid to take risks and demotivated. Schools can help by providing more support, teaching failure as a chance to learn, and creating a supportive environment where all students feel valued. The goal is to help students become confident learners who can reach their goals.

Answer 2

If schools were to begin flunking students who are not performing at expected levels, it could pose several risks for students. For instance, students who are struggling academically might become discouraged and disengaged from school. It could also lead to an increased emphasis on test scores and grades, which could result in a narrow focus on academic achievement at the expense of other important areas of development.

To help students overcome these risks, schools could implement changes such as providing additional academic support, offering alternative forms of assessment that take into account different learning styles, and emphasizing the importance of effort and growth mindset over grades and test scores. Additionally, schools could work to create a positive and supportive learning environment that encourages students to take risks and learn from their mistakes.