ZAP: Zeros Aren't Permitted

Over the past few years I have been implementing a program in my classroom called ZAP: which stands for Zeros Aren’t Permitted. When a student has a missing or incomplete assignment, I assign them a Friday lunch ZAP session. To be clear, ZAP is not a punishment but a time and place for students to get work done with support from their teacher. Students come in with their lunch and get to work: I am there to answer any questions and help them as needed.

Last week my ZAP room was full with students; some students didn’t complete the assignment and a few others didn’t quite understand the content. By the end of the 30-minute ZAP session, each and every student had turned in a complete assignment demonstrating his or her understanding of the skill/concept. That means there wasn’t one missing assignment in my grade book at the end of that school week! I sometimes wonder what would my grade book look like without ZAP support. Would all of my students still be demonstrating mastery of the skills and concepts on classwork and homework? How many missing or incomplete assignments would be in the grade book? Of course the goal of ZAP is not about my grade book; instead, the goal is focused on the students. I dedicate my time and energy to ZAP because I see the benefits ZAP has for my students. I will always offer the support my students need to be successful. Currently, there is a need and want for ZAP from my students. Last week one student asked me if I could hold an additional ZAP session at lunch for him. I of course agreed! If you would like more information on my ZAP program or want to implement a similar program in your classroom, please feel free to contact me!

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