The Grade Round Up Experiment with David Loudermilk - The Harlan Cohen Podcast

Months ago, I posted a reel encouraging students to try and ask their teachers to round up their grades if they were close to the next letter grade. High school teacher David Loudermilk saw an opportunity to use this idea to teach self-advocacy. In this conversation, Mr. Loudermilk and I discuss how he turned my controversial concept into a reality, requiring students to use argumentative writing skills (claim, evidence, reasoning) to make their case. We dive into why communication is such a critical skill students need, and how creating safe spaces for self-advocacy prepares young people for life's inevitable rejections and opportunities. A must-listen for educators and parents who want to help students find their voice. * * * * * * * * * * Are you a parent of current or soon-to-be college student? Are you a student? Join BEST FIRST YEAR, Harlan's College Success Coaching Community for High School & College Parents (and students) Use code Pod15 at checkout and get 15% off a 12 or 18 month membership. Tap here: https://courses.bestfirstyear.com/courses/your-first-course The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here: iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-harlan-cohen-podcast/id1531004466 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5f3901f-d7b6-4f73-b183-8a5e10c4423a/the-harlan-cohen-podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28gSjxL3CmmL6U9lpDDlCA Podbean: https://harlancohenpodcast.podbean.com/ SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:  www.youtube.com/@HelpMeHarlan   Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/harlancohen/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@helpmeharlan?... Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/harlan.cohen/ LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/harlancohen Twitter:  https://x.com/HarlanCohen Website: https://www.HarlanCohen.com   About Mr. Loudermilk David Loudermilk is a social science teacher in Northern California. Before teaching high school, he taught middle school, served as a middle school athletic director, worked as a 1:1 paraprofessional in a high school/adult transition program for special needs students, and was a substitute teacher for K-12 classrooms. From 2020-2024, he was elected to serve as a board member for the Durham Unified School District in Durham, California. Related videos: Life Tip 1033 - The Round Up Request Experiment: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DJ5Rh71vTU8/ College Tip 1578 - If You're a College Student Who Successfully Asked a Professor to Round Up https://www.instagram.com/reels/DSKwirLEcNm/ Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction  02:05 - Why This Experiment  03:25 - Points Controversy  07:22 - Building Trust  08:13 - Grade Grubber Myth  10:35 - Evidence-Based Approach  11:27 - Creating Safe Space  12:16 - Social Capital & Equity  15:54 - Worthiness & Advocacy  19:06 - The Process Explained  25:21 - AI Consequences  29:17 - Participation Numbers  30:29 - Email vs Face-to-Face  33:21 - Teacher Time Investment  37:23 - Student Feedback  42:19 - Grades vs Skills  43:00 - Best Buy Story  44:28 - Rejection Lessons  47:37 - Sharing Resources  49:24 - Full Circle Moment  51:08 - Outro   THE HARLAN COHEN PODCAST New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen has candid conversations with top experts, and leading influencers. Guests share their greatest victories, devastating setbacks, and most valuable advice to help listeners dream big and take action. Hosted by Harlan Cohen, New York Times bestselling author, and speaker. Harlan is the founder of Best First Year, and has over 1 million books in print. His live events, books, programs, and workshops have reached millions of people and changed countless lives.