The letter went ok - her appointment went ok and now we see what happens next.
I asked a student to rework one problem on a project (since they had gotten WAY wrong answers) and was told "F**k this class" which I wrote in the comment as "Student refuses to fix problem." Student wrote me an apology later (after being chewed out by several friends, which made me humble) and will rework the problem tomorrow.
One of my students has apparently dropped out - mom doesn't know where she is right now, I will try to talk her into finishing and graduating. Wish me luck. I will look for her at her job until I find her.
Well, it's never dull.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
need advice on writing a letter of recommendation
I need to write a letter of recommendation for a judge. Have to have it done by Monday.
I would like to give the kid a chance - even though the student keeps making STOOPID choices. Student is in trouble in the first place. Then is told by the judge to do community service (hasn't done any in a month even though 2 teachers have told him it is incredibly important to make an effort - there is always a reason).
The student was upset with the judge, saying the judge was mean. I pointed out the judge has heard it all and doesn't believe anything anyone SAYS but is looking for what they DO.
I am going to write on letter (for the student only) detailing the choices the student has made the past month (attendance, writing on a test "I don't know this crap", sleeping through a review, etc). But I'd really like to write a more positive one than that for the judge or the student is sunk.
Any help from the great universe? A sample (names withheld) would be lovely. I am used to teaching younger students and haven't had to write many.
I would like to give the kid a chance - even though the student keeps making STOOPID choices. Student is in trouble in the first place. Then is told by the judge to do community service (hasn't done any in a month even though 2 teachers have told him it is incredibly important to make an effort - there is always a reason).
The student was upset with the judge, saying the judge was mean. I pointed out the judge has heard it all and doesn't believe anything anyone SAYS but is looking for what they DO.
I am going to write on letter (for the student only) detailing the choices the student has made the past month (attendance, writing on a test "I don't know this crap", sleeping through a review, etc). But I'd really like to write a more positive one than that for the judge or the student is sunk.
Any help from the great universe? A sample (names withheld) would be lovely. I am used to teaching younger students and haven't had to write many.
Weird week
We had more testing this week, where all of my Juniors (half of each class) were out for state testing so I had to come up with something to do with the rest that won't penalize the Juniors - so we had a catch-up day.
Because half the students were out, because we were doing catch-up work (you know, all the stuff that they won't turn in), I had time to talk with the kids.
I learned or overheard:
· “My parents kicked me out. Then my grandparents kicked me out. Then my boyfriend dumped me and I moved back home.” She was in middle school.
· One student’s father was murdered when he was 7. His mother was in jail at the time, so he was sent to live with relatives. No one wanted to talk about the murder.
· Another lived with a stepfather who raped her from the time she was 8 until she was 10. Then she was kicked out of the house and sent to foster care.
· I have seven students with children. The oldest is 18, the youngest 16 – their children are 10 months to 2 and a half.
· Another told me I could call his parents if I want – they won’t care (and they didn’t). He is actually a good kid with lousy attendance.
· A girl told me her father said she may as well drop out – she’s too stupid to graduate.
I want to fix all of it - I knew some had burdens. Maybe it lightens it to share. I hope so.
Because half the students were out, because we were doing catch-up work (you know, all the stuff that they won't turn in), I had time to talk with the kids.
I learned or overheard:
· “My parents kicked me out. Then my grandparents kicked me out. Then my boyfriend dumped me and I moved back home.” She was in middle school.
· One student’s father was murdered when he was 7. His mother was in jail at the time, so he was sent to live with relatives. No one wanted to talk about the murder.
· Another lived with a stepfather who raped her from the time she was 8 until she was 10. Then she was kicked out of the house and sent to foster care.
· I have seven students with children. The oldest is 18, the youngest 16 – their children are 10 months to 2 and a half.
· Another told me I could call his parents if I want – they won’t care (and they didn’t). He is actually a good kid with lousy attendance.
· A girl told me her father said she may as well drop out – she’s too stupid to graduate.
I want to fix all of it - I knew some had burdens. Maybe it lightens it to share. I hope so.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Our Thoughts and Prayers Are In Fort Hood
Our thoughts and prayers are in Fort Hood with the soldiers and their families.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
My most challenging class
My most challenging class is my repeater class. Their average age is 18. They have spent an average of 3.75 years in high school, so they should be close to graduation. The average is 11th.
Their average grade in Algebra in prior years is 43. They have taken other math classes - their average math grade in every math course they have taken in high school is 52.
I have 9th graders and seniors and everything in between.
They have all had it at least once before - several have had it 4 times.
I want them to care. I will settle for them passing - and, yes, I will have to modify the course for this to happen.
Oh, they need 22 credits to graduate. At this point, they should have at least 15 credits. The average is 8.
Administrators want statistics. How does the above tell them anything about my class other than it is challenging to teach?
Their average grade in Algebra in prior years is 43. They have taken other math classes - their average math grade in every math course they have taken in high school is 52.
I have 9th graders and seniors and everything in between.
They have all had it at least once before - several have had it 4 times.
I want them to care. I will settle for them passing - and, yes, I will have to modify the course for this to happen.
Oh, they need 22 credits to graduate. At this point, they should have at least 15 credits. The average is 8.
Administrators want statistics. How does the above tell them anything about my class other than it is challenging to teach?
Monday, November 2, 2009
Professional behavior - maybe not
Today the teacher (and I use the term loosely) that I teach with called me out in class. You know - across the room "Hey, Ricochet! Why are you handing that out when I am not done teaching?"
What I was doing was trying to help her.
She has apologized three time - each time with students sitting there, listening, where I cannot explain that her behavior was completely unprofessional.
There are no more words.
What I was doing was trying to help her.
She has apologized three time - each time with students sitting there, listening, where I cannot explain that her behavior was completely unprofessional.
There are no more words.
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