It is so frustrating to sit down to mark an assignment, and see that only 60% of students have handed it in! I then have to track down the missing work. It could be a simple process (reminding students to turn in the assignment that is finished, but at the bottom of a locker or backpack) or it could be more complicated and time consuming (supervising the students on my lunch break or after school to make sure the assignment is completed or calling home to parents). Taking off marks for turning in late work would surely motivate the students to hand in their work on time, right? And if it doesn’t truly motivate students, at least it is a deterrent to handing in late work, right? Maybe not. As my understanding of assessment has grown and changed, my thoughts on this topic have changed. When I was a new teacher, I took marks off for late work, but I don’t anymore. Here’s why. 1. I’m assessing curricular competencies and content outcomes, not work habits Each assignment I give my...