An Evaluation of “in Praise of the F Word”

An Evaluation of “In Praise of the F Word”

Within today's current education system it is very rare that a student is kept from moving on to the next grade level. Some may look at this and assume that this is a good thing, meaning more kids are on track for learning the skills needed for outside the classroom. Yet this is not the case, children are being pushed forward into learning new material even when they have not mastered the basics. Mary Sherry author of “In Praise of the F Word”, stated that “passing students who have not mastered the work cheats them and the employer who expect graduates to have basic skills,” allowing readers to rethink whether the system works in their favor or not. Either new standards need to be set in place, or the current standards need to be reinforced in order to ensure each student is absorbing the knowledge needed for advancing to the next grade level.

In the text “In Praise of the F Word,” Sherry explains that threatening a student with the reality of failure is an effective way to motivate them to learn. Many times students are passed along simply because they are good kids; however, being a good kid has nothing to do with acquiring the necessary learning skills. Quite often the blame is placed on the student and their personal issues for them not advancing, when teachers themselves should also be held accountable. It is their job to make sure their students grasp the appropriate material and make the decision on whether the student is ready to advance or not.

It is extremely clear what stance Sherry is taking in her argument. Speaking from a teacher's perspective her passion can be felt through her writing. She wants not only her son, and her students to be successful, but also wants everyone within the education system to reach success--even if getting them to advance means holding them back a little longer.

The issue Sherry presents is also very relevant, and often a topic that is overlooked. Often times it is not even a second thought within a parents mind that the decision of the child's advancement should be postponed. Every parent wants to believe that their child is superior in all aspects. “Flunking as a regular policy has just as much merit today as it did two generations ago. We must review the threat of flunking and see it as it really is--a positive teaching tool. It is an expression of confidence by both teachers and parents that the students have the ability to learn the material presented to them,” stated Sherry. She brings the issue to the table and attempts to alter one's outlook on failure.

Sherry could make her argument stronger by including research on the topic she is stressing. This would add accuracy, sufficiency and even depth to her argument. Seeing concrete numbers on the issue is a more effective way for readers to grasp the importance of reviewing the threat of failure. Allowing them to understand that there