Busy? You could say that
It occurred to me today that I haven't posted in here much this year. My apologies. However, I have few to no readers, so I'm not all that worried about it.I took on a new position at my school this year, that of a behavior director for 6th grade. I work an extra hour each day dealing with student referrals and calling parents. I set up parent conferences, meet with parents and teachers, and dole out consequences to students who are my repeat offenders. It has definitely opened up my eyes to a new world of education. I had never been on the other end of a referral, I usually just wrote them. Sadly it's a group of about 30 students that I see the most. The rest of the students have been wonderful this year.
Along with that I am still a full tim teacher with a full classload again. I am still teaching science despite my utter disdain for the subject. I'm doing ok with it, however. Many of my students have tested quite well in science so I must not be doing too poorly at that job. I have an eclectic group of students this year. I work in a low income district and frequently have trouble getting parents involved in the school. This year I have had more than one parent be proactive about their childrens' education. It's a pleasant surprise. I also have some of the worst behavior problems I have ever had this year. I have a total of 22 students taking medication for either ADHD or depression. I have two students that have private behavior management specialists that accompany them to class everday. This year I have the highest percentage of students reading at or above grade level (8%). I'm pleased with that as well, but I also have the highest percentage of students that are considered non readers (22%). Having them all in the same class makes my job relatively difficult.
We have gone through yet another vice-principal at my school this year. At some point my school district will see that the problem might actually lie with the principal and not the people they have placed in the vice-principal position. The state department of education has also decided to "take over" my school because we have been on "corrective action" for five years now. Sadly the programs they plan on implementing are going to drive the majority of teachers to different schools. Also, those people who make decisions about the programs have not taken into account the reason why my students don't test well, so the programs have little chance of being successful.
I have officially decided the teaching profession has gone downhill. I would like to be able to see it change, however, I don't know how to help or even to get it started. Any ideas?
posted by lobo5747 @ 9:25 AM
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