(Thank you for all the kind thoughts. This has been an incredibly hot month. While it aggravated health problems the dog had, it probably helped the cat be a little more comfortable a little longer.)
We have a woman (let's call her Rosanne) assigned to us to help with math so we can raise our scores. Maybe I am just an evil person, but the emails she sends out seem to be self serving. That she needs to interpret what the powers that be say to us, or find the stuff online from the state (duh, we know where it is).
But the things that would seriously be helpful, well, she has no clue.
I cannot get the other teachers teaching the subject I teach to come up with a schedule. I don't mean a "cast in stone, do not deviate the course" schedule but an idea that this section will take 2 weeks, and this should take 4 but will really take 5 because the kids don't get it.
The other three have taught it before and I get "duh, it has to be done by the end of the semester" comments. Not really helpful, guys.
Anyhow, I have spent too long on the first part. I have been avoiding calling parents because (silly me) I thought the kids would actually start listening. My first test will be an absolute bomb. So, I am thinking of ways to allow them to redo. I like the ideas of cumulative tests - like two regular and a cumulative.
Any comments?
Anyhow, Roasanne has sent out a memo that there will be math trainings (five of them) with the middle and elementary schools that feed us - vertical teaming. You know, you get a sub and go to a meeting and hope for something useful. Every bloody one is the Friday before a three day weekend or holiday. How am I supposed to keep these kids civilized when I have difficulties when I am IN the room? I wonder whose genius idea that was?
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4 comments:
Someone is getting paid lots of money to come up with this idea and the bottom line is no one, except you and a few others really care whether these kids pass or not.
Stop stressing about what others don't do and do what you do best--teach what you think is correct. I am a world into myself at school and it has helped me for years. I know it will do the same for you and the kids you are teaching.
Remember, you can't reach them all. Just think of all the ones you can, will and did help.
I agree with Pissed Off. If the other teachers who teach your subject are not willing to lay out a scope and sequence, then do one on your own that you think will work. You can adjust a little as you go, but without a plan, there is no way you will accomplish all your state's goals.
It is hard for me to believe that your district does not require you to have a set scope and sequence. Every summer, our teachers meet and we lay out the calendar for the following year. We all get off a little from time to time, but every Algebra I teacher in our district is within a few days of each other at any given time.
I actually plan - and pace - with a teacher in another school in our district.
I find a way to share with people who do things.
But, PO, if I didn't bitch, what would I write about? (vbg) I have learned the lesson of letting go = but it is so fun (wrong word) to write about the inept who give the rest of us a bad name.
I love to bitch and recommend it highly.
Mrs. H--in NYC we get ZERO planning time. Teachers go back to school on Tuesday and kids come in on Wednesday. Tuesday is full of useless, time wasting meetings. We don't even have time to meet during the year with people in our own department. My school runs on 6 schedules and I often go semesters without ever seeing certain people. We have a rough curriculum to follow but it is hard to know what others are doing.
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