Get the Red Out: Australian Government Moves Against Use of Red Pens by Teachers

Teachers are being asked to avoid using red pens to mark homework as “too aggressive” and potentially harmful to students social and emotional wellbeing.

The recommendation is contained in the government’s “Good Mental Health Rocks” kit — telling teachers “don’t mark in red pen (which can be seen as aggressive) – use a different color.”

There is no recommendation for the “student-friendly” color to write such things as “you are a functional illiterate.” I have looked at the available crayon colors for possible choices. It seems to me that “bittersweet” would not meet the government standards. I did find colors names “Happy Ever After,” “Super Happy,” “Tickle Me Pink,” and “Awesome.” I expect writing “Johnny, this is the worst work that I have reviewed in three decades of teaching, including the fact that you misspelled your own name” would be a lot better when written in “Tickle Me Pink.”

For the full story, click here.