Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Is it OK to deduct points for a late assignment? I've been teaching high school for a while and deducted 10 points a day on major assignments without a thought, but a couple of years ago my Principal challenged my thinking. What are we actually deducting points for ... or, rather, what do the points of our assignments actually stand for? If they stand for mastery and mastery is proven, then how can we deduct points for it being late? There are no standards that measure timeliness. How can you still get work turned in on time if there is no penalty? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) I too see both sides of this debate. I understand that grades are meant to show mastery of the content and taking points away does not aid in this. I also firmly believe that students need to be taught that there are consequences for not doing what is asked of them. I have the same issue with students not turning in assignments at all and will assign a zero sometimes. This is not showing whether they have mastered the material or not. I have begun taking free time away from them to complete the assignments. This has worked with some students and not with others.