End of semester blues (and rosy reds)

I have to admit that the end of the semester (or year) is my favorite time in any course. And it's not for the jaded reason that it's over—no more teenagers—but because it's immensely satisfying, like a laborious yet delicious meal.

Here are some responses I've received from students:

This class was very challenging but I want to thank you for setting the standard so high. I really learned a lot this semester. —A.D.

I just wanted to say thanks for a good semester and to tell you that I learned a lot. Even though the work load was tough, and the grading was tough, I feel it made me an overall better writer. I appreciate it! P.S. Your cookies were really good. —B.U.

Some of my peers were genuinely worried about their portfolios. I couldn't feel their pain. I've been there and done that! I've told them numerous times: I had Prof. Casey, if I could pass her (barely), I could pass any writing professor. —L.W.

One student, a twice-veteran of Professor Casey, thanked me for two great semesters, and gave me a toothy smile and a thumbs up as he said goodbye.

And one ESL student, upon picking up her passing portfolio, found that words failed her—and gave me a hug instead.

A Matter of Accountability

Our department requires each Writing 102 student to submit a brief cover letter with his portfolio. The cover letter explains the assignments and how each demonstrates that the student is proficient in the major areas of college writing: argument, analysis, and research. If the student's work is not deemed competent, he must repeat the course.

Some instructors say they read this letter last—they claim they feel bad failing a student who claims to have worked so diligently during the semester. (After all, it's easier to fail a portfolio than to fail a student.)

So I had been methodically working my way through a stack of portfolios until I came upon a portfolio with a cover letter not from a student, but from the professor.

Some backstory first: This is the same professor who has been fighting the portfolio system every step of the way; he claims that it suggests our department does not trust its instructors to plan a course or grade papers judiciously—it undermines us as educators.

At first, I think little of the cover letter written by the professor; others have submitted explanatory cover letters as well. But as I read, I became increasingly irritated; the tone was condescending, as if I wouldn't know how to evaluate an argument. And to top it off, this is how he concluded his letter:

Argument? Textual analysis? Sound rhetorical theory recognizes that these concepts are tran-genred and may occur in any or all of some of these essays.

Please be kind to my students. They have worked very hard and please substitute common sense for pedantry.

Really, how dare he try to persuade his colleagues with a blatant appeal for sympathy? Sorry, buddy—I'm going hold your students' work to the same standards as everyone else. Because the portfolio is a way of holding our instructors to the same standard as well.

A Welcome Message

I just received an email from one of the ninth graders I taught last year. She began her email:

What's up? I miss you! You were the best teacher ever! :)

I can't help but smile myself.