In Suit's Own Words

September 12, 2008

Re: Updated grading policy [from Mr. AP]

For students who have a passing average in your class, the grading policy issued in August stands. For students in Integrated Algebra and Geometry classes who do not have a passing average, the following modifications to our grading policy should be followed and I quote the principal:

“Students who pass the Regents and who have met the state standard in class, and who have met attendance, class work and homework standards should not fail based on the arbitrary and unauthorized department standards. Rather they should pass and move on to a transitional class beyond Math A or Integrated I which prepares them for math B (or Integrated 2)”. [It doesn't matter if the student never passed a test and has a 40 average. As long as a 34% can be gotten on the regents, pass them along. We don't want any child left behind.]

“An alternative would be movement into the next sequence B or integrated 2 class which includes the A or integrated 1 topics not yet mastered, and compensatory support as new topics are taught. (Those students who pass the regents with a higher grade should be placed directly into the next course in the sequence).” [Too bad this is only followed as long as there is room in a class. Right now, kids are being placed anywhere there is an empty seat.]

We must effectively “deal with the high failure rates with proactive intervention and not by programming students into repeater classes which feature the same unsuccessful instructional strategies over and over again.” If we pass students who pass the Regents exam even though they have failing averages (the arbitrary and unauthorized department standards we have been using), we will greatly reduce the high failing rate in the Algebra class and in the Geometry course in June 2009, provided the Regents exam has a generous curve. [No kidding, passing more kids will reduce the failing rate. I bet this was taught in Administrator School.]

Some students who failed MA44 and ME22 in June 2008 were moved into Geometry. They were promoted because they passed the Regents exams. “They will not have extra time to pass Integrated 2 and 3, both of which are required for the Advanced Regents Diploma. Their success in these courses is critical.” Teacher of MG21R and MG21D must monitor your juniors carefully. You are to slow down and make sure the overwhelming majority of your students understand what is going on before moving on to the next topic. Bear in mind that only 30% of the contents will be on the Regents exam. [That's right, pass them if they know less than 30% of the material and help them get an advanced diploma. This is a good way to insure the value of the advanced regents diploma.]

“We must accept this inability of some students to make the right choices for academic success as a given and par of the challenge under which we work. Their inability to learn or parents effectively (ineffectiveness) requires that our classrooms become laboratories for new initiatives and strategies. The large number of students who are behind in meeting diploma requirements in math may be a result of teachers in the department failing to implement the differentiated instructional techniques which have become a part of every other academic department at Lewis, as well as in other similar schools. On the most basic level, we have even opposed varying classroom seating arrangements, a simple initiative which has shown itself to be effective in promoting active engagement and learning.” [Make the right choice and you too can grow up to be a world renowned surgeon.]

We have our work cut off for us. As we discussed during the Department meeting on 8/29/08, we will engage in pair-and-share, incorporate more technology into the lessons (Smart board or Geometer Sketchpad), differentiate instruction both in terms of ability and learning styles and find the most effective way to get every student involved in each and every lesson. Please see me for clarifications. [And now, on top of all our other jobs, we are expected to become magicians. I think I'll see if I can pick up a magic wand with my $150 teacher choice check.]

I don't believe after reading this note that Principal Suit is really going to retire, no matter what he says and no matter how large a party he is being given.