Final is a funny word in learning. It suggests an end, and though I believe most would concur that it’s time that’s expired at the end, not learning, I am not sure this is what gets reflected in practice.

“Final” conjures up all sorts of things when uttered in the classroom. Stress. Weight. Judgment. Finality. It, of course, is the end–of the unit, the term–but it carries more than time. It purports to be the definitive measure of learning, a point of no return, for returning flies in the face of final. So, largely, final is final. But it doesn’t have to be. It’s possible to go beyond final.

Possible is always possible. And in my room, my practice, I choose possibility. Isn’t that inconvenient? Yes. But I have come to believe that learning is inconvenient. it’s also the prime directive, so we cannot let it be deterred by inconvenience. So, I peddle possible. Here’s the scoring guide I use for “finals.”

No, it’s nothing groundbreaking, but I want kids to know that, even at the end, learning continues, that there’s still an opportunity to improve. So, I create that opportunity. If a kid scores a “2” (BTW, “summatives” are the only time I use numbers. I have to for district data demands) there is learning that can still happen. I provide them with feedback and a next opportunity (and a next if necessary or desired). I will not cast this number on them and send them on their way. Yes, they will eventually have to move on, but when they do, I want them to know possibility and opportunity were always a part of the experience. Always. I find it silly, to stamp a “3” on a minor mistake, so I let kids correct those errors to get to the “4.” But is that really a “4”? What else would it be? They made the necessary corrections to meet the standard. So, I call it a “4.” In the end, I don’t care about the number, I care about the learning, which only ends when we create constructs that get in the way. And so, to keep the way clear, I choose to build bridges, not walls.

That’s the decision I make. That’s the decision I live with. But really, the kids make the final decision. I provide opportunity. They choose how to live their learning. Their “will” determines my “way.” And together we continue learning. That’s our way.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…reconnecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…sharing our Wisdom Writers stories.

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Tuesday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.