Comments on rethinking ours classrooms pp.106-160 & making art together pp.vii-24--Wendi Coats

"My dirty little secret":  I liked the concept behind subjective grading based on the student's ability and willingness to do the assignment. I think it may encourage students to try harder on assignments if they know they'll be graded on effort rather than some random checklist.  Plus it would help the teacher in grading if able to show tangible reasons for the given grade(not on task/workmanship/etc.).

"Expectations and at-risk children":  I agree with the writer of this article that ALL students should be held to the same expectations and not use excuses to "explain away" why they're unable to perform. Being a non-traditional student myself, I could use the excuse that I'm a wife and mom and that the reason why I can't do the required coursework & need some leniency in grading. But I don't...I spend hours planning each semesters classes around my family's schedule and finding time wherever I can to complete my work. It can be difficult and stressful but I think it's more important to be an example for my kids plus inadvertently to my classmates. 

vii-24:  I liked the plan to show the class how to research for their project(supplies/idea/budget/etc.) because this will help in their future in college and real life. I also like the idea of having a wall space available for brainstorming/critique by the whole class and I think I would like to implement that in my future classroom.