Dispelling Five Myths Students Have About School

In my experience, these are the five misconceptions students have about school. Sometimes they don't learn the truth until it's too late. Trust me. Don't be fooled by what you hear through the grapevine. Learn the facts! When reading these myths, keep in mind that tough love is still love!

Myth #1: Extra help is for dummies.

Truth: Extra help is not for dummies. In fact, some of the students who have sought help from me have very respectable grades. The only truly stupid decision would be to need help and not ask for it! Get clarification if you need it. I'm happy to help.

Myth #2: It’s okay for students to use online study guides and summaries, such as Spark Notes.

Truth: The Trumbull High School English Department strongly disapproves of the use of Web sites such as Spark Notes. Those types of sites undermine the very skills that English teachers try to help students develop.

Cliff’s Notes still exist, however, nowadays there is also a proliferation of sites (such as Spark Notes, Pink Monkey, Classic Notes, and Gradesaver) that offer online summaries and interpretations of literature. If parents see their children using them (online or otherwise), they should intervene.

Although Internet sites may provide a shortcut or a temporary solution, students who use them suffer in the long run. Students can’t use online help when taking in-class tests, the CAPT, the SAT, midterms, or finals. They need to be independent readers.

When plagiarism is found in students’ assignments, these sites are almost always the source!

Myth #3: The teacher will personally notify a student each time he fails to turn in an assignment. When a student suddenly asks, “What am I missing?” the teacher will write a detailed list of the overdue assignments. The teacher will accept late work for full or partial credit, and will figure out a way for the student to pass.

Truth: Students are responsible for knowing what is due, when it is due, and if they have turned in the assignment or not. If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail. With all due respect, the teacher is not your personal assistant. If you have chosen not to keep track of your assignments, I won't do it for you. It's your responsibility.

Students are told: “Do not put your responsibilities on the teacher. Be responsible for yourself.” Teachers are not responsible for your computer/printer problems, what you forgot to bring or turn in, or what you forgot to make up after you were absent.

It is simple for students to be responsible for themselves, especially considering that assignments are given verbally, on the board, and online. Students can check their progress by viewing their averages online too.

Accepting overdue work would be unfair to students who work hard all year and do meet due dates. Teachers cannot grade an avalanche of overdue work in time to meet progress reports and report cards deadlines. Deadlines are a part of life, whether in school or in the business world.

Myth #3: If you get a zero on an assignment because you cheated or plagiarized, you can just have your parent call the teacher and ask if you can do it over (or do an alternate assignment).

Truth: If you can’t afford a zero, don’t risk getting one! There is nothing to negotiate. If you cheat, you must accept the consequences of your actions. There are no “do-overs.” No exceptions!

Myth #4: A student will have to pay to replace a book that he lost, but NOT a book that was stolen.

Truth: After a textbook has been issued to a student, the student is responsible if the book becomes lost, stolen, or damaged.

Maybe your book really was stolen, and someone else merely lost his. However, there is no way for teachers to tell the difference.

Please treat your textbook the way you would your wallet. You wouldn’t leave it in the classroom overnight—not even in a drawer. After all, school is a public place.

If you store your book in the classroom, you are doing so at your own risk. Depending on the text, replacement cost can be $10, $50, or even more. Always take your book with you. Lock your locker.

Myth #5: Alanis Morissette's song "Isn't It Ironic?" contains many good examples of irony.

Truth: Alanis Morissette's song "Isn't It Ironic?" is misleading. The song is a very bad example of irony!

Although I have heard several of my students say that their former English teachers used the song to teach them about irony, the song does NOT contain good examples of irony. If you want to learn about irony, let's talk.

Most of the situations or events deemed as "ironic" in the song are merely coincidental or unfortunate. I'm not saying that there is nothing to be learned through music. There could be. However, try to consult an authority on a subject whenever possible. I wouldn't try to learn about Macbeth from Jessica Simpson for the same reason that I wouldn't ask Limp Bizkit to help me pick out new wallpaper or ask Eminem to help me figure out my tax return form.

The song would be more appropriately named "Isn't It Moronic?"

Congratulations! You are well-informed, and you won't fall for myths!