In Praise of the 'F' Word

Why does the author say that high-school graduates are "meaningless?"

• The graduates have poor reading and writing skills

• The graduates cheated on their tests

• The graduates never actually went to class

• The school the graduates went to had bad teachers

Where does the author work?

• An adult literacy program

• A car repair shop

• A high school

• A community college

What does the author claim can motivate students?

• The threat of failure

• Good teaching style

• Passion for learning

• Sailing

What does the author utilize as evidence for their claim? Select all that apply!

• A story about their son

• Testimony from adults in the author's adult literacy program

• Quotes from teachers and principals

• Scientific evidence

Which of the following is a supporting reason the author gives for why students should be allowed to fail?

• "Passing students who have not mastered the work cheats them and the employees who expect graduates to have basic skills"

• "I blamed the poor academic skills our kids have today on drugs, divorce, and other impediments..."

• "Our son was a high-school senior when he had her for English."

• "Early in each session I as my students to write about an unpleasant experience they had in school."