Saturday, January 19, 2013

Six Word Saturday



We cripple kids with lowered expectations.



For more Six Word Saturday participants, click here.

Gee. What more is there to say than that?

I could give anecdotes - but that would only serve to depress you also - and give me away.

I know what rigor is. I expect it for myself and for my own children. I even expect it for the housepets, for goodness sakes.

But the administration wants to pass anyone who shows the slightest effort, regardless of how late it is in the game. And then wonders why these kids do not retain information from year to year. Do you suppose it is because they think copying information from the board is the same as listening to the lecture and doing work on their own?

I have started responding to "I am doing my work" with "No, you are doing MY work. I am the only one here doing any work."

Without the Powers That Be realizing that they will have to deal with one or two semesters of high failing grades, we will NEVER change the effort students are willing to do. You want to judge me on how many pass? Then they will pass, rigor be damned.

You want them to learn what they need to? Then back me up when I write them up for fooling around, talking, disrespect - and let me give them the grade they earned. (And back me up with the parents). Otherwise, look at what we collectively are doing to these kids and understand that they will stay at the bottom for a very long time.

8 comments:

betty said...

All great valid points you brought up; now to get your administration to listen to you and to take you seriously. I do fear with our school system these days; it seems like in our district the kids are out of school more than they are in with shortened days, etc., who can learn in such an environment?

betty

Debbie said...

Couldn't agree more!

retired not tired said...

When did fail become a pass?

Anonymous said...

This is a wise, important post.

Linda said...

It is so sad that so many kids just don't care about anything...and feel like there is no future for them in this crazy ole world.

I wish there were more people like you, who would help them to learn they must work hard and "earn" the respect of others....as well as themselves.

Hard work pays off! (:>)

Ron. said...

School's prep for life...or ought to be.

Ricochet said...

I should mention that the administration is not just dumbing down the student's instruction. Teachers have to attend graduation and we have always worn black gowns (as in cap and gown - does it have another name). Those with master's degrees wear our hoods. This year - the principal wants us to wear the same gowns as the kids. I AM PISSED.

I worked had for the degree(s) I have - I DO NOT WANT TO WEAR A HIGH SCHOOL GOWN. Been there done that.

It sounds like whining - and it probably is.

I wonder if I can be sick on that day.

Jess said...

If only the powers to be listened to the workers on the ground level!Huge sighs from me to you! And then they wonder why kids have no respect these days.....