High Standards

The countdown is down to the single digits. Days are dragging and the kids are getting wilder by the minute. It’s as if the looming summer has a power that is growing inside their bodies. The closer they get the stronger the force and the more monkey–like they become. The eternal teacher question is what to do during these last two weeks when the students are much too distracted to complete any quality work, and the paperwork side of education mounts. The more work I assign, the less I get back and the more I have to grade and compile for final grades. It’s times like these that promote movie days and long recesses.

My class has decided that doing any work during the last 2 weeks of school is not high on their priority list. I am having them write one final essay. They’ve already worked on the 3 body paragraphs but asking them to write an intro and conclusion has absolutely sent them into a tail spin. I am now “an awful teacher” direct quote. Apparently by assigning it to them in bite sized chunks means that I’ve been changing the assignment.

The school’s 4 requirements for graduating from each grade include things like: research paper, homework, and life skills math. The promoters of No Child Left Behind would roll over in their unfilled graves. Anyway the students are trying to stage a revolt because I’m requiring two sources, and very informal at that, and I’m making them edit it. I’ve completely forgone all math work this week in favor of practice time for the upcoming Variety Show. Apparently giving them an hour a day isn’t enough time to practice, so today I’m giving in and giving them two hours. The priorities at this school are astounding.

I type this as my students are working on their vocabulary packets. I have to keep reminding my students to work and stop playing with the play props, like the 1990’s telephone and the floppy hat. “I’m talking on the phone!” one says to me, dripping with animosity and attitude, when I remind her to get back to work. Joy.

I’ve also removed their break today as no one has done homework this week. I assign 20 minutes of free-choice reading each night (have been doing it all semester) and the last two days the class has refused to comply. So for the second day in a row the class owes me 20 minutes of their time (read break time) to make up for the missing reading. I’m trying to salvage their grades, seeing as most are struggling to pass at least one subject.

The all-school field-trip has been postponed again due to rain. Now it is scheduled for next Tuesday, the same day as my second interview. This is going tot be tricky. I’ve secured a substitute, but did not know to inform her at the time that she’d be participating in a field trip, if she is willing and or able. It’s going to be a long day and I don’t even want to go, can’t blame her if she doesn’t. Looks like I’m going to have to admit the reason for my absence and see how the staff take it. In a small town like this news spreads quickly and there is no doubt in my mind that when I return to class on Wednesday the whole valley will know and have an opinion.

My second interview is teaching a lesson to my would-be class. Arg. No pressure there. I know I’m a good teacher, but having a class full of kids I’ve got no rapport with and a handful of adults who actually are judging me is no picnic. I liken it to a stand-up comedy routine mixed with a business presentation, and after it all I’m judged based on how well the audience participates.

Author’s note: Super thanks to all my potato friends that have helped me with this process. I’m so glad to have a credentialed support group to go through this with.