Egads

(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?