Friday, October 22, 2010

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.

No comments:

Post a Comment