Some students predictably struggle with deadlines. Once a due date has been given, most teachers can predict which students will be on-time and which students will be late. We know that most students will meet the deadlines. If most don’t, then there is likely a flaw in the assignment. The few that struggle with deadlines need support, not penalties. The other aspect is that we already know (to a certain degree) who is going to be late. Think about that…we can predict they’ll be late, but do we act to ensure the learning and/or assignment is on track? Most students like deadlines and the organization and pacing they provide.