big set backs and small victories

The first nine weeks is in the books--the grade book that is.  I knew some of my kids were having a hard time, but after getting the last few grades in, I found out just how many.  I had such high expectations but I need to seriously rethink how I am doing things.  I had been adjusting as the weeks went, giving second chances, extended times to get work in, etc.  They just never took advantage of the chances, or very few did.  I have been amazed at the uncaring attitudes from some of these kids.  I cracked down hard on some of them trying to get them to see how their inaction will affect themselves and those around them.  I told one boy in the class with the most failing students that he was contributing to the problem.  He heard what he wanted to and then tried to deflect balme for his part in the situation in the class.  Oh, yeah.  I am to blame too, in part, because I let them get to this point.
The bright side, there is one girl who has tried so hard but continued to struggle.  I modified her tests, but she improved too, especially in her writing.  She got a good, solid A on this last test.  I was happy for her and couldn't help but chuckle when she saw her grade and gave a little cheer for herself.  I wish that attitude would rub off on some of the others.

rethink, revise, retry

One thing I have come to realize is that these kids have not had much exposure to science equipment, or haven't been challenged throughout their school careers in the subject of science.  I am teaching skills that they should have had since 5th, 6th grades.  I mean my high school students.  My 8th graders will be in a lot better shape when they get to 10th grade biology.  But having to start with such basic skills is taking a toll on pacing.  There is NO way I will get through the material that I am supposed to cover for the EOCT by April.  Then there are other hinderances like having to take two days of class time to take a pre-ACT test.  One day for the paperwork and one day for the test.
Not only have I had to rethink things, I have needed to give that opportunity to my students too.  We took a test which very few passed.  It was due to their lack of writing skills.  Those that passed did the short answer and essays.  The others didn't even attempt it.  We took a different version of the test and they did much better on it.  It didnt have so much writing on it though.  I will have to build up to the essays, and have their English teachers help with that one.