[lbo-talk] More "school reform" nonsense

[Miles Jackson]

Michael Smith wrote:
> On Tue, 25 May 2010 14:07:35 -0700
> Miles Jackson <cqmv at pdx.edu> wrote:
>
>   
>>  when
>> we're trying to get things done in an educational organization,
>> turning a blind eye to people who don't do their work causes all
>> kinds of problems for students, faculty, and staff.  One example: a
>> faculty member at a vaguely unidentified college I've worked at
>> refused to grade final papers for a number of terms
>>     
>
> This is a pretty unconvincing example, to my way of thinking. Anybody 
> who refuses to "grade" is a hero in my book. 

Okay, let's think this through from the student's perspective.  The 
instructor doesn't turn in grades: the student loses financial aid, 
veteran's benefits, worker retraining funds, scholarship eligibility, 
etc.  Without a grade in the necessary course X, the student can't 
graduate, and without the credentials, it will be more difficult for 
them to get a job.  Given the existing bureaucratic structure and social 
contingencies, instructors who do not turn in grades are screwing over 
their students.  You really think that instructor is a hero?  Really?

Miles