Friday, August 20, 2010

I gave a test and no one came

OK, that isn't true.

But I gave a test and let them use their notes. I went over everything the day before. Twenty per cent passed.

There were twelve problems, so eight points each. I had one darling (doesn't come, doesn't listen, won't stop talking, should be a senior) tell me that I should have taken off 4 points each.

Love the SHOULD.

I looked at him and repeated: twelve problems, eight points each. You will have the opportunity to raise your grade. If you want to.

I feel like I am in a battle of wills and losing. These kids seem to think they can implement a slow down (or a dumb-down) and if the grades get bad enough, I will have to cave.

I want to laugh. There is nothing I am teaching in this class more difficult than elementary school. I am not going to cave.

Report cards will go out in two weeks and I can see I will be making a lot of calls.

3 comments:

ChiTown Girl said...

Don't you feel like, "why do I even bother?!" sometimes? But, good for you for holding them to higher standards. I hope they finally figure out that they need to work toward them.

Elaine said...

Oh, I think my 6th period is trying to pull this trick too. Their average was 20% lower than any other class, and they're CERTAINLY not stupider.

So I flunked all except 3 of them. They earned those grades, after all. You should have HEARD the whinging today when they got their quizzes back.

They have a test on Monday. I'm calling parents tomorrow. Should be interesting...

Ricochet said...

I have my own list to call, so I feel your pain. I have home stuff to do so I may put it off til next weekend when progress reports go home.