School is over one week from today. It makes me happy. I am ready for summer. I am ready for a break. And I am ready for a vacation. Usually the last week or two of school are the hardest. The kids (and teachers) are anxious to be done. Kids become more disruptive; teachers more impatient. And often times the kids think they shouldn't have to do anything because school is almost over. This has been the case in my classroom for the past few days. I have been dreading going to work. Today was different though. I received some good news upon arriving at school today.
Disclaimer before reading the rest of this entry: I DO not believe that end of the year, state-mandated tests are a good way to measure what a lot of students know. But I am required to teach my students certain material and then give these said tests in May. Unfortunately, come fall, my school's test results will be published in the newspaper and compared with other schools around me. And then using some crazy formulas, the government will determine whether or not we are "leaving any children behind." So these said tests are important and I do have to care what the numbers say.
Today I found out that my students are smarter than I give them credit for. They try when they need to and they can solve problems. My students exceeded my expectations on their end of year tests. And it makes me happy. Mainly for 2 different reasons.
1. This year's tests were somewhat ridiculous. They tell us to focus on certain topics and then test them on different topics. I was so mad when I looked over the tests. (Ask Erich, Courtney, or anyone I teach with. They all had to hear about it.) But that didn't matter. My kids still did well.
2. My kids are usually classified as the "lower" students. They are the struggling math students. No one expects them to do well- except me. Not even they expect to do well. Some of them are retaking the same math class for the 2nd or 3rd time. They're not supposed to score as high, but they did.
And that makes me happy. Makes me proud of my kids. Makes leaving my own child at home a little easier. Because it reminds me that for some kids, I do make a differnce. Now please don't think this is me trying to say I am a great teacher, I am not. But I do care a lot about those kids. And I do want them to be successful in life. And if this reminds them that they can be successful when they work hard and try their best, then I have done my job this year. It makes all those frustrating days go away. It makes me happy to be a junior high math teacher.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
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9 comments:
Awe, Mand! That's just like the moive you watch in every math class at the end of the year with the dad from "Salina". Way to go!
That is precisely why I always knew you'd make a great teacher! The kids always know when you really care and when you are faking it, and it does make a difference. I hope my kids get great math teachers like you. They're going to need it with Matt and me as their parents. Let's just say that math is not our forte.
Don't get me started on that stupid No Child Left Behind crap. When I started college, I was going to be a high school math teacher, and got far enough in the program to have had to learn a lot about that messed up Bush plan. Blah! Good job that you care! I'd be proud of my students too, I'm sure you are a great teacher!
Having a mother who is a high school teacher I have heard plenty of complaints about No Child Left Behind!
I have no doubt you are an awesome teacher Mandy!
You are so inspiring! Thanks for sharing this great news. I can only imagine what a difference you are making in each of their lives because you believe in them! I still remember vividly the teachers that believed in me and they made such a impact on my life today that I still draw on. You are doing important work.
Did you have the pizza party? Great job.
Okay so I hate the expression "LOL" because I think it is so over used, but Angela's comment made me LOL. But not to diminish anything you said Mandy, because you know I'd be in that class and I'd be so happy to have you for a teacher, although I don't think the dad from Salina should play you in the movie, maybe Julianne Moore.
i agree. we shouldnt have any standards to measure students or teachers. in fact, we should just put education to the teachers unions. that is the best solution.
i love you mandy, but we need to measure how are kids adn teaachers are doing. then, when teachers are good, they should get 5k bonuses.
if we dont measure our teachres, lousy ones just keep getting put in.
Mandy, I wish I had you as a Math teacher when I was in school. It was the subject that literally made me cry everyday. I am so glad that there are teachers out there who care enough to take the time to make sure they are really learning. Keep up the good work!
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