Responsibility...

As I've navigated through this school year, I've tried to figure out what the most difficult part of my job is. Throughout the school year, there is one thing that has continually come up with my students. This thing affects the exceptional students and the students who don't do so well. This mystical thing is RESPONSIBILITY.
   Since August, the factor that has ensured success in my class has been responsibility. I've tried to structure my class so that the strongest--and the weakest--readers can excel. I always tell my students that we can work on skill mastery and the intricacies of certain topics. All they have to do is come to class, put in a reasonable effort, and the rest will be taken care of. I had quite a few students fail my class because they just neglected to turn in any work. Although I absolutely hate giving zeros, I feel that the kids need to see that number to let them know that this is not their normal cake walk. We have had talks about developing life skills. I've constantly said that even if they don't leave my class as strong readers, they will at least value the importance of responsibility, accountability, and work ethic.
   For too long, it seems like the majority of my students have been coddled to the point where they are able to just coast through school without any of the blame being put on them. Now, I'm not calling my students lazy--not at all. What I am saying is that they are not used to having to consistently work to achieve the grades and results they want. This is more of an indictment of the system they've been growing up in for the past 7 or 8 years. More than anything, I want them to value hard work. I want them to respect the value of responsibility. If I can at least get my students to the point where they feel like they are accountable for their grades, and their behavior, then I will feel like I've done my job. The issues regarding mastering text structures, main idea, or situational irony will all be taken care of when the students feel like they are the main determinants of their grades.
   So, through meetings with administration, parent conferences, team meetings, and students conversations, I've continued to harp on this point. I cannot have a part in the perpetual handicapping of my students. I know that this is a transition from what they're used to, but I know that developing the life skill of responsibility will benefit them well after 7th grade. If that makes me a "hard" teacher, then I'll wear that hat proudly. I hope it makes them see me as the teacher who cares about their development as teenagers, and future members of the larger society.