I
We had Western Oregon weather today. It was cloudy, cool, and overcast with a persistent drizzle all day. Then tonight that wet ground turned to a brilliant ice slick. I think the weather made for wiggly kids. They were ready to bounce off the walls. I was ready to bounce them off the walls. We have been working on winter testing as well so by the end of the day they are just done. So far about 1/3 of my students are above grade level, about 1/3 on grade level, and about 1/3 nowhere close to grade level. I am going to have to up my game in some specific areas to push them to the next level.
I was evaluated last week. We are supposed to have a post observation conference. I never had any notification of the conference which I usually get. Then I get an email today scheduling another observation/evaluation. I thought it was strange I hadn't gotten the results of the last one before having another one scheduled. I sent off an e-mail regarding this, no response yet. So I am not sure.
I use an free online "app" to track student behavior. I had a parent send this note today
" Is student unmanageable? Or are we using this tool too often to judge his behavior and potential parenting/disciplinary needs"
My response "We are working on students behavior to make student aware of what student needs to work on. Student is doing better from what I have seen, and I hope student continues to make improvements."
Parents response was positive after that. I have no idea what parenting may or may not be going on. I can make some guesses. The behavior tracker only shows what they are or are not doing well. I found it interesting the parent thought I was making a judgement about their parenting. It is a pretty dry tracker, it shows whether students are on or off task, following directions, participating, keeping their hands to themselves, talking out of turn, and those kinds of things. This student is consistently a little booger. The student was just moved to my class because the parent didn't like how critical the other teacher was of her student. When this demand was made I asked administration if they told the parent I was the strictest teacher in my grade level. Administration said they did inform the parent of that. This student was just moved into a class with much higher expectations. So we shall see how this goes. It could be a ride and a half.
Well I should be off to bed... goodnight!
January 27, 2015
January 21, 2015
Roadblocks to achievement
My cousin when he calls asks how is your "Peyton Place?" For a minute there I thought maybe just maybe things would be smoothing out and getting better. They aren't. I don't even know how to respond to some of the insanity going on around here. I have a student moved into my classroom tomorrow. We started counting this afternoon they have moved about 8-9 students around in just our grade level. It is mostly due to parents who don't believe their "little darlings" are at fault for any of their inappropriate behavior. Why they are perpetually letting parents dictate everything is beyond me. The result is a lot of nuttiness. I agree sometimes it needs to happen. The frequency with which it is occurring this year is just ridiculous. Just when you have your class settled in, expectations set, a wrench is thrown in the works. Our administration is a waste of money. We had another staff meeting after work today which was basically another "you guys suck look how low fall test scores were what are you going to do about it?" I don't know why doesn't the administration create a schedule for ANYTHING so that we are all on the same page. The excuses made for the incompetent people is at an all time high. Moral is very low. One of my students that was used as an example for a "low" student in the fall testing cycle. This student just did the winter test and was way above grade level.
I am so fed up tonight with our administration I had to express my frustration. Administration refused to make a schedule for the computer lab. Six classes share this lab. We are all trying to test. They suggested that we go to the 1st grade building and test. Without even asking them if it conflicted with their schedule. GRRR. So I went around to all the teachers and pushed us creating our own schedule. So I made a schedule and sent it to them. I have never had an administrator so anti-schedule. It defies logic. When you are managing such a large group of people you schedule everything. It prevents confusion and conflict. I have to remember to "Keep my eye on the purpose" helping my students to have success. I just am disappointed in the crazy roadblocks in our path.
Oh... just to add to my grumpiness this evening I received a Jury Summons. yay me. My second summons this year.
I am so fed up tonight with our administration I had to express my frustration. Administration refused to make a schedule for the computer lab. Six classes share this lab. We are all trying to test. They suggested that we go to the 1st grade building and test. Without even asking them if it conflicted with their schedule. GRRR. So I went around to all the teachers and pushed us creating our own schedule. So I made a schedule and sent it to them. I have never had an administrator so anti-schedule. It defies logic. When you are managing such a large group of people you schedule everything. It prevents confusion and conflict. I have to remember to "Keep my eye on the purpose" helping my students to have success. I just am disappointed in the crazy roadblocks in our path.
Oh... just to add to my grumpiness this evening I received a Jury Summons. yay me. My second summons this year.
Winter testing
It doesn't take long to develop a bad habit. I have a terrible habit of messing up my sleep schedule. I often can barely keep my eyes open so I go to bed early. The consequences are that I wake up in the middle of the night WIDE AWAKE! Sometimes awake enough that I get up and get a few things done. So I guess it isn't all bad. I have been a light sleeper my whole life. Which is a bummer. It doesn't take much to wake me up or disturb my sleep.
We began our winter testing today. I had a couple of students moved to my class because their parents were unhappy with how they were doing in another class. One of them grew 26 points from the fall to now. I was wondering why so many of this teachers' students were testing so low in the fall. They always drop over the summer but, some of them dropped a crazy number of points over the summer. I finally realized this was strategic. The teacher was ensuring growth from the fall by creating a hectic test environment. In doing such she can say " Look how much they grew." It is disappointing to work with someone who is being dishonest about testing. I hope there are those with enough sense to realize that is what is occurring. The treacherous effects of focusing only on testing.
I did find out some good news. In our new contract how RIF-Reduction in Force has changed. It is not now based purely on seniority. Actually, seniority is last on the list. I am not sure that all of the teachers have realized this. It is based on the following:
a. The performance evaluations of the teacher,
b. The type of licensure held by the teacher including National Board Certification,
c. The disciplinary record, included in the district personnel file of the teacher,
d. If equality is observed in evaluations and performance, seniority will prevail.
So this may help remove a few not so fabulous instructors. We'll see how likely that is. Not sure. Anyhow, I just have to keep plugging away and moving forward.
We began our winter testing today. I had a couple of students moved to my class because their parents were unhappy with how they were doing in another class. One of them grew 26 points from the fall to now. I was wondering why so many of this teachers' students were testing so low in the fall. They always drop over the summer but, some of them dropped a crazy number of points over the summer. I finally realized this was strategic. The teacher was ensuring growth from the fall by creating a hectic test environment. In doing such she can say " Look how much they grew." It is disappointing to work with someone who is being dishonest about testing. I hope there are those with enough sense to realize that is what is occurring. The treacherous effects of focusing only on testing.
I did find out some good news. In our new contract how RIF-Reduction in Force has changed. It is not now based purely on seniority. Actually, seniority is last on the list. I am not sure that all of the teachers have realized this. It is based on the following:
a. The performance evaluations of the teacher,
b. The type of licensure held by the teacher including National Board Certification,
c. The disciplinary record, included in the district personnel file of the teacher,
d. If equality is observed in evaluations and performance, seniority will prevail.
So this may help remove a few not so fabulous instructors. We'll see how likely that is. Not sure. Anyhow, I just have to keep plugging away and moving forward.
January 18, 2015
Soup Weekend
Made a little soup this evening. My stash is very low and since getting back from the holidays, and getting sick I haven't done much cooking. I threw together a Hamburger Soup? I didn't have fresh veggies I am waiting till this coming weekend for my Bountiful Basket. So I used my dehydrated carrots, celery, and onions. I threw in a can of fire-roasted tomatoes, a pound of hamburger, a can of corn, a cup of black rice. I decided I wanted it really "tomatoey" so I added a small can of tomato paste. I have no idea how this will come out. I am sure it will be a hearty school lunch. It'll work.
I haven't accomplished a lot this weekend. Did some grading, caught up on laundry and dishes, did a little house cleaning. I did a lot of relaxing. I had a frustrating e-mail from work on Friday. Sometimes all I can do is shake my head at the ridiculousness. I asked for some advice before replying. I am not sure what the outcome will be. I have been hearing from some of our most experienced and most quality teachers that they are seriously considering leaving the district. I have to find a way to cope and move forward and be patient. It always comes back to the fact that 1. I want a job. 2. I still love teaching. I hope my love of teaching isn't overwhelmed by the craziness to the point that I leave it. I've had a lot of downs this fall. Some adjustments have made for a better winter. I just need to make it through spring.
Pet Peeve. I really don't like it when teachers complain about their wages. First of all teacher pay is well documented. You know what wages to expect. I feel fairly compensated. I do work way more hours than required by my contract. It is the reality of teaching. This is also common knowledge. Our benefits are generally pretty good. If you are expecting better pay than what teachers receive don't go into this profession. It varies where a teacher lives and cost of living what wages you get. Still you chose to go into this profession. So I don't want to hear whining about that. There are a lot of stresses with this job that most people don't understand. There are headaches, heartaches, stomachaches, pain in the arse-aches and more. I have empathy for those situations.
Well I have one more day of "freedom" before back to work. I will go in to work tomorrow to do some more grading and get ready for the week ahead.
I haven't accomplished a lot this weekend. Did some grading, caught up on laundry and dishes, did a little house cleaning. I did a lot of relaxing. I had a frustrating e-mail from work on Friday. Sometimes all I can do is shake my head at the ridiculousness. I asked for some advice before replying. I am not sure what the outcome will be. I have been hearing from some of our most experienced and most quality teachers that they are seriously considering leaving the district. I have to find a way to cope and move forward and be patient. It always comes back to the fact that 1. I want a job. 2. I still love teaching. I hope my love of teaching isn't overwhelmed by the craziness to the point that I leave it. I've had a lot of downs this fall. Some adjustments have made for a better winter. I just need to make it through spring.
Pet Peeve. I really don't like it when teachers complain about their wages. First of all teacher pay is well documented. You know what wages to expect. I feel fairly compensated. I do work way more hours than required by my contract. It is the reality of teaching. This is also common knowledge. Our benefits are generally pretty good. If you are expecting better pay than what teachers receive don't go into this profession. It varies where a teacher lives and cost of living what wages you get. Still you chose to go into this profession. So I don't want to hear whining about that. There are a lot of stresses with this job that most people don't understand. There are headaches, heartaches, stomachaches, pain in the arse-aches and more. I have empathy for those situations.
Well I have one more day of "freedom" before back to work. I will go in to work tomorrow to do some more grading and get ready for the week ahead.
January 12, 2015
small town problems
I am not a city girl. However I have random moments when I wish I was. No not because of the plethora of shopping options. Amazon.com and I have a great shopping relationship. No, it is when you are sick (I won't go into details here) and you really need something mild in your stomach. Your stash of such items are gone so you have no other choice but to go to the store. Everyone who could run that errand for you is at work. So you get out of your perfectly warm pj's, slip on some winter clothing, winter boots, and head into the snowy day to buy yourself some broth. Then of course the first people you see as you walk into the store are parents of your student. Who as you say a pathetic "hello" you see the wheels turning as to why you are not at work. It is these moments you wish for a little anonymity. A wish to be a tiny drop in a much bigger pond. I survived and made it home with my $2.15 cans of broth. I am sure they are cheaper on Amazon but I couldn't wait 2 days for them. Anyhow, I look out my window now at that cold, wet, miserable day and with my pj's back on, and warm soup in hand, I am once again thankful for this small town. In part because my drive to the store was less than 5 minutes, no one was in line ahead of me, and I made it out to my car without recognizing a single soul.
January 7, 2015
Hiatus
It has seemed so quiet and much more relaxed since coming back from Christmas break. I was attributing it all to having a break, getting away, change of scenery, time with family, etc. Then I realized since I came back my school computer isn't working so if I'm lucky I only check my work e-mail once a day. It is amazing how NOT reading that totally improves my attitude. I really must read it with less frequency. I may be out of the loop on a few things but blissfully so!
Our district is piloting the new teacher evaluation tool that will be implemented state-wide next year. It sounds exactly like what we had to do when we created our portfolio for college. I am hoping it is a little less involved because seriously. I need to sleep once in a while during the school year. Do you want me to call parents, grade student work, gather data, implement differentiation, develop relationships with students, work on continuing education, attend professional learning communities, building leadership teams, implement Individualized Education Plans, read assigned reading, implement new curricula, lesson plan, and collect artifacts for a portfolio? This is why our education system is broken. You want teachers to do it ALLL with less and less time. I talked with a colleague up north and their district had already put this evaluation tool in place. She said that with that and a new curriculum they were implementing teachers were at school often till eight at night. Yes we have long summer vacations, and Spring Break, and Christmas Break, and some other government holidays. If dedicated teachers didn't have those "breaks" we'd be laying in a puddle of our own drool rocking in the corner. Expectations have risen. I love higher standards. However, there needs to be a balance. The pendulum of government education has taken another drastic swing. I am not sure where it will lead. Seriously I often wonder why I didn't consider becoming a wildlife biologist. I was probably not excited by chemistry and biology. Hmmm what was I thinking?
It was great to come back to school and see all my short people! They all seemed ready to be back. It was a good start to a new year. I hope to have access to some technology at school soon because it is difficult to lesson plan without it. Even though I am enjoying the e-mail hiatus. I am loving my Christmas present. The remote start for my car just makes my morning. It gives me just a little more pajama time without running out into the cold and then back in without completely warming up!
Well it is time for me to rest my head. G'nite
Our district is piloting the new teacher evaluation tool that will be implemented state-wide next year. It sounds exactly like what we had to do when we created our portfolio for college. I am hoping it is a little less involved because seriously. I need to sleep once in a while during the school year. Do you want me to call parents, grade student work, gather data, implement differentiation, develop relationships with students, work on continuing education, attend professional learning communities, building leadership teams, implement Individualized Education Plans, read assigned reading, implement new curricula, lesson plan, and collect artifacts for a portfolio? This is why our education system is broken. You want teachers to do it ALLL with less and less time. I talked with a colleague up north and their district had already put this evaluation tool in place. She said that with that and a new curriculum they were implementing teachers were at school often till eight at night. Yes we have long summer vacations, and Spring Break, and Christmas Break, and some other government holidays. If dedicated teachers didn't have those "breaks" we'd be laying in a puddle of our own drool rocking in the corner. Expectations have risen. I love higher standards. However, there needs to be a balance. The pendulum of government education has taken another drastic swing. I am not sure where it will lead. Seriously I often wonder why I didn't consider becoming a wildlife biologist. I was probably not excited by chemistry and biology. Hmmm what was I thinking?
It was great to come back to school and see all my short people! They all seemed ready to be back. It was a good start to a new year. I hope to have access to some technology at school soon because it is difficult to lesson plan without it. Even though I am enjoying the e-mail hiatus. I am loving my Christmas present. The remote start for my car just makes my morning. It gives me just a little more pajama time without running out into the cold and then back in without completely warming up!
Well it is time for me to rest my head. G'nite
January 3, 2015
In Denial
Well, I am in denial that my Christmas Break is coming to its end. I started my break with a bug that took up a few days to get well. I spent time with family and friends. I didn't get to see everyone I had planned on but time flies over this break. Everyone has busy schedules this time of year as well.
You never know someone until you help them move a mattress. I've moved a few mattresses and helped move a few. They are inconvenient items to move around. They never bend the way you need them to bend to get around corners. They don't fit through doorways following doorways. You can never tie down a mattress quite as well as you should. Yes I've seen a flying mattress and a semi-run over it. That's a story best saved. Anyhow, mattresses are a pain to move. Then one should flip their mattress once in a while. I recall doing this with my neighbor. When you ask a 20 something year old to move a mattress with you. Keep in mind their muscles and reflexes are stronger and quicker than your own. Luckily she was short and I didn't crush her. We giggled over our mattress flipping experience for years. Usually the act of MOVING mattresses doesn't bring out the giggling. It brings out our grumpy side. Someone is always walking backwards and someone is always shoving this person. Then it seems as though someone is walking blindly carrying this heavy awkward item. We got my parents a new mattress for Christmas. Just moving it one room away seemed like climbing Mount Everest. Dad suggested that a new mattress wasn't needed. Then we put the new one on. Mom said " I don't have to roll out of the valley, climb the mountain, and roll over the other side to get out of bed now!" Dad thought she was exaggerating. He didn't recall climbing any mountains to get out of bed. Clearly they didn't flip their mattress often enough. He seemed a little disappointed that the new mattress wasn't perfectly contoured to his body. Some people are hard to please. Maybe he will find something nice to say about it after awhile.
Moving mattresses also requires a closer look at just what is under the bed that you haven't seen in awhile. Usually just some "dust bunnies" that you never quite reach with your vacuum.
I went back home through the big city and stayed with a friend on the way so that I could break up the trip a little. It also allowed me to stop at the evil Wal-Mart to pick up a few things I was out of. Before I left I wasn't feeling well so a few things I normally take care of before I leave fell by the wayside. So I came home to a stinky trash can and several expired items in the fridge. I took care of that right away. Then I boiled some cinnamon on the stove to refresh the air. I have some laundry to do. Some other laundry to put away. I also need to plan for this week at school. I admit I am in complete denial and am procrastinating. Well, off to do something.
You never know someone until you help them move a mattress. I've moved a few mattresses and helped move a few. They are inconvenient items to move around. They never bend the way you need them to bend to get around corners. They don't fit through doorways following doorways. You can never tie down a mattress quite as well as you should. Yes I've seen a flying mattress and a semi-run over it. That's a story best saved. Anyhow, mattresses are a pain to move. Then one should flip their mattress once in a while. I recall doing this with my neighbor. When you ask a 20 something year old to move a mattress with you. Keep in mind their muscles and reflexes are stronger and quicker than your own. Luckily she was short and I didn't crush her. We giggled over our mattress flipping experience for years. Usually the act of MOVING mattresses doesn't bring out the giggling. It brings out our grumpy side. Someone is always walking backwards and someone is always shoving this person. Then it seems as though someone is walking blindly carrying this heavy awkward item. We got my parents a new mattress for Christmas. Just moving it one room away seemed like climbing Mount Everest. Dad suggested that a new mattress wasn't needed. Then we put the new one on. Mom said " I don't have to roll out of the valley, climb the mountain, and roll over the other side to get out of bed now!" Dad thought she was exaggerating. He didn't recall climbing any mountains to get out of bed. Clearly they didn't flip their mattress often enough. He seemed a little disappointed that the new mattress wasn't perfectly contoured to his body. Some people are hard to please. Maybe he will find something nice to say about it after awhile.
Moving mattresses also requires a closer look at just what is under the bed that you haven't seen in awhile. Usually just some "dust bunnies" that you never quite reach with your vacuum.
I went back home through the big city and stayed with a friend on the way so that I could break up the trip a little. It also allowed me to stop at the evil Wal-Mart to pick up a few things I was out of. Before I left I wasn't feeling well so a few things I normally take care of before I leave fell by the wayside. So I came home to a stinky trash can and several expired items in the fridge. I took care of that right away. Then I boiled some cinnamon on the stove to refresh the air. I have some laundry to do. Some other laundry to put away. I also need to plan for this week at school. I admit I am in complete denial and am procrastinating. Well, off to do something.
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