Thanks to Lane Tech students Finley Williams and Toby Straus for submitting this guest editorial. The Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times took a pass on publishing this piece—but we at the CTU think it’s too important not to be shared publicly. Finley, Toby, and fellow students volunteers across the city have organized to call on CPS to end its disastrous grading policy during the pandemic.
In talks with the district, we stressed that many of our students still lack online access, and that any policy for students without Internet access must not discriminate against them.
There is no reason for any student to receive a failing grade right now.
If your administration appears to be requiring things that go above and beyond the district guidance (like an extremely specific number of assignments, hours or length, or requiring any grading during this period), courteously inquire by email whether a) it’s required, and b) what will happen if you are unable to comply?
