FRUSTRATION!
I just don't get it! I try to help these kids in so many ways, and they refuse to do their part. I just gave my nine weeks test today to first period. I have been so excited because of the review that we have been doing. I gave them a study guide and posted it on the district website, just in case they lost it. I created a fabulous jeopardy game on the computer. We played the game in class, and I also posted it on the district website. The nine weeks test was simply the tests we took this nine weeks, copied and pasted, word for word. I gave back the tests we took earlier in the nine weeks and allowed the students to correct them and write down anything they didn't already know. We did the same thing for the jeopardy game.
During my planning time, I went into the work room to grade the scantron tests. After all of the review we did, I still had nearly half of the class fail the test. I do not understand how that can happen. I was so hopeful that the few students that were on the edge of passing or failing would pass the test, and in turn, pass this nine weeks. Boy was I wrong. Now these students are failing miserably. I am upset because the administration is going to point the finger back at me. I know that I am responsible for teaching these kids, but at what point do we hold the kids responsible. I can not force them to study. I can give as many opportunities for success as I can think of, but at the end of the day, they are the ones that has to take advantage of the opportunities.
I sure hope that this first period class is not an indicator of how the rest of my classes are going to perform. Even if everone else does fantastic, it is still going to look bad having 6 or 7 students failing in one class. I feel totally defeated right now. I sure am glad Spring Break is next week! If anyone has suggestions on how to motivate 12 and 13 year olds PLEASE let me know.
posted by NiCK WHITe at 7:41 AM
3 Comments:
oh, you poor thing ;)
7:29 PM
You sad boy! It's totally not your fault! Their education is not 100% your responsibility, and you've been thorough enough that you can defend your approach to the principal, the school board, the parents, and whomever else! So, go liquor yourself up or something. ;)
(Perhaps this is a bit of a belated response, but my suggestion of liquor is a timeless solution to life's problems.) ;) ;)
3:03 PM
Nick,
I know it is all too late to send this to you to make you feel any sort of better, but my kids are the same way. I broke down the other day because of it. I have gotten to the point to say what else can I do. I try to help them every way possible and they just do not care.
I asked one of my kids why he does not care to do his work. He told me that it is because he is going to drop out. I told him so you are taking the easy way out. He said yea. I told him it was the QUITTER way out. Then, I proceeded to tell him that I do not teach quitters. He has actually done a lot better. As for the rest of them, they are doing what they have been doing all year. NOT TRYING!! Just remember, it is not your fault. I have to keep reminding myself of that DAILY. We only can do so much. They have to do the rest. Maybe you need to finally put those CAMERAS up in your room.
6:56 PM
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