Evaluate the teacher

I was told today that a kid understands math better than he ever has and he likes me the way I am because I answer questions when he asks.

I was told by a parent that I am the best thing that has happened to her son.

I was also told what I could do with myself, but I think it is physically impossible.

So, a nice balance and I am happy.

Remember they are kids. . .

Several people have posted lately that the kids we teach are, well, kids.

I watch them make incredible decisions as if they are unable to link cause and effect and yet they see that same cause and effect in other situations.

A boy puts off til the fifth month any effort in class where, if it were a football game, he understands that he cannot wait til the fourth quarter to play.

Another is out at least one day every week. I realized when he asked me a question on the final that he has trouble reading. (Sorry, he hasn't been here enough for me to pick it up before). He had trouble with a problem because he read CHANGE as CHARGE.

Another student who loudly proclaims that any 'disrespect' on the teacher's part is racially based. Disrepect would include failing a student who earns it.

He will make no effort to do anything that will raise his grade.

Remember the boy who told me that the grade he had earned was unacceptable? He slept during the last opportunity to raise his grade. Oh, well.

I kept telling them that they needed to DO work if they wanted to pass. "Take it seriously or take it again"

Some will be taking it again because they would come - sometimes - but sleeping isn't doing.

The ones that worked passed. The ones that didn't, didn't.

Sigh.

Worse than icky. No school.

Ah, what to do with a "free" day. I am current on grading - except for about 3 papers left at school.

I guess, clean house.

Icky weather

We open late today since it is exam week - and the roads are treacherous.

Clueless

I have been hammering at the state test since Thanksgiving. I haven't had any tests or quizzes but I have given all kinds of grade-raising stuff - including several that could have been done over the Thanksgiving break.

1) No one did anything over break
2) One person has done all of the stuff
3) Only about a third have done something.

Tomorrow is their final and the day I should maybe see their state scores.

Today I handed out progress reports to REMIND them where their grade is sitting.

One darling said "This grade is unacceptable."

I almost told him I could live with it - because I can. I have offered so many different options. I have even worked out most of this stuff in class. I am not the one who slept in the class. I am not the one who let a month's worth of opportunity slip through my fingers.

I told him find and do some of the stuff I put out there.

Take it seriously or take it again.

Sitting duck

Here is an amazing story told with photographs of 2 eagles attacking a duck.

(It's ok, the duck survives)

Free tool to enhance PowerPoints

Teachers, here is a great free resources to add to your PowerPoint presentations. A simple way to make things interactive and did I mention, it is FREE too.