Fresh out of summer, the beginning of another school year commences with several new additions. North Atlanta has welcomed new students, teachers, clubs, coaches, and most recently, a new late work policy. Implemented by Atlanta Public Schools, faculty and staff have widely communicated how assignments will be graded if they are not turned in on time. Students and teachers have expressed various opinions on how this policy will affect their future time management and workload.
During the second week of the school year, North Atlanta held an assembly to elaborate on this year’s new regulations, including late work. The policy states that assignments turned in after the due date can earn a maximum of 80%. Additionally, for every 10 calendar days past the due date, another 20% will be deducted. This was updated from the previous procedure in which late grades would remain at a 20% deduction. “This year they are cracking down on students with strict deadlines, especially compared to last year,” said junior Tucker Heaton. “The pressure is on.”
Many Warriors have wondered why this new policy was implemented in the first place. The old policy was used because APS wanted students to have enough time to master concepts that may take longer to understand. However, the recurring issue was that students would take advantage of this freedom. Teachers were constantly overwhelmed with late assignments submitted at the last minute, leaving them with a case of grade fatigue. IB History teacher Elliot Reid expressed his favor for this year’s new rule. “The new procedure provides a level of structure that is needed,” said Reid. “Many teachers suffered because students didn’t prioritize their work.”
While students may show initial bitterness towards the policy, many also acknowledge the benefits it includes. Last year, students struggled with turning assignments in on time because there were not many factors motivating them. Many students admit that with this new policy, they have become more driven to complete their workload while minimizing late work. Exempting finals has been a privilege hardworking students want to maintain. “I might have to go to sleep a little later, but the new policy pushes me to get my work done and finish strong,” said sophomore Sarah Kate Gleason.
As the school year begins, various new additions have been embraced. Even with contrasting opinions on the new late work policy, APS’s goal of wanting the best for both students and teachers has remained steadfast. Knowing the resilience of North Atlanta, the student body will power through by minimizing late assignments and maximizing productivity.
