Monday, October 05, 2009

In Trouble Again



I planned on giving my algebra kids a test on Friday but, as I started to hand it out, I realized that most did not have a prayer of passing. I asked them if they preferred to do it as practice and I would give them a real test on Tuesday. Most enthusiastically jumped at the chance and veraciously attacked the exam, asking questions, working non stop. I believe this little activity will improve grades.

So, why will I be in trouble? Mr. AP believes that kids in a four term class should not be getting grades higher than a 70 or a 75 and I might have a few 80's and 90's in the class. Now, I could give a more difficult test to insure the grades will be grades he can approve of or I can give the exam I want and take my lumps. I've just written the exam. Trouble should be my new name.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am getting the feeling from reading your elliptical posts that there is some micromanaging going on. Clearly you are on somebody's radar.
Although you are a veteran teacher and undoubtedly already know this, I would remind you that administrators are actors and that APs often do the bidding of principals.

12 more years said...

So now it's a crime for kids to be successful if it's against the whim of an administrator? Disgusting. That same administrator will turn around and bitch when the first quarter grades aren't high enough.

PO'd you are a better woman than me- I would just retire and live out my life in peace. Life is too short to deal with this kind of crap.

ChiTown Girl said...

Perhaps if the kids' scores fall in the "acceptable" zone on this "practice" test, you can surprise them on Tuesday and tell them they don't have to take the test, you'll just use their scores from Friday? And, seriously, WTF is with Mr. AP? Way to keep kids the kids down.

Kim Hughey said...

I have used this same strategy. I got tired of kids not taking test reviews seriously so I handed out a "practice test" which was really the test review. I told them they could use their notes, but they had to work independently and I wouldn't help them. I also told them that anyone who made a 90 or above would not have to take the exam the following day. You should have seen those little kiddies work. Next day, I went over any questions, and then we took the real test. They were some of the best grades of the entire semester. Unfortunately, you can't use this little trick very often or it will lose its effectiveness!

rita pudell said...

Mr. A/P expects 100% passing but not too many high marks. Sounds like he has lost it. Your best bet is to try to stay away from him. Let him come to you when he wishes to speak to you. You are doing a great job and you really care about your students. How many other teachers at Packemin tutor sitting on the floor by the cafe? The administrators of Packemin like most administrators want to be saluted. Try to not let Mr. A/P aggrevate you.

Anonymous said...

This is a catch 22. If the kids fall below or above 70, you lose.
Education is about growth, or does your school have a different mission statement?

mathman42 said...

Duh ! The whole idea of giving them 4 terms is so they have enough time to do well. As I said, we have effectively three terms and it is working better although that is a relative term.

For a kid to get an 80 in Math where they have struggled for years to get 70 is a blessing.