So I know there's been a lot of discussion at the school, district and classroom level about the senior project, but for me, it's about to get worse.
My district is proposing tabling the SP for 2 years due to budget concerns and because they can't afford to keep people in the position of grad project coordinator when they need teachers in the classroom. Of course, I don't have a coordinator--I AM the coordinator.
So, here's the problem: My school (A PLC) requires a graduation project apart from the county standards. It's part of the model of our school. However, if none of the other schools require it and we do, we won't be getting or keeping students and we won't be graduating anyone. (That's the whole point of our school--to increase graduation rates)
Anyway, I've already had calls from parents (whose kids aren't doing well in the project this semester) saying that it's not fair and blah blah blah. I'm already frustrated and realizing that I'm going to have to revamp my entire curriculum over the summer.
My biggest frustration is, that while I'm not a fan of all aspects of the grad project, it certainly provides a level of preparation that students would not have been forced to encounter prior. I plan on implementing a senior English paper, which is pretty standard I think, and perhaps a service learning project.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
More on Poetry Out Loud!
Heather asked in a comment about how G did at the state competition...so here's the update:
I want to start by saying that I could not be more proud of my student. The other competitors were excellent and the pressure was certainly there. He did not move on to the final round, but he did a great job and can be personally proud of his performance.
My husband accompanied me to Raleigh, where the event was held at the NC History Museum. It was so well done! They really did a fantastic job of not only hosting, but educating the students and audience and making the students feel at ease. There were sound checks and practice times and time to relax and focus. My husband isn't a literary person really, and he enjoyed every moment of the event. It was really a fun time.
And the students were phenomenal! I was so impressed with each one.
As for my worry that I was not preparing G properly-- well--I'm not so worried about that anymore. He was right where he needed to be and he hopes to compete again next year!
It was painful when G found out that he was not moving on. I could see his face, which I now know so well and I could see his disappointment. But on the following Monday, when he came to school, an amazing thing occurred...G came to school wearing his dress shoes, pants, shirt and tie (that we had helped him pick out with the assistance of his mother) and his certificate in hand and showed all the students his achievement. Here I was worried that he would be upset or depressed! He was proud of himself! I breathed a sigh of relief and we posed for a picture together. A great end to this year's POL!
I want to start by saying that I could not be more proud of my student. The other competitors were excellent and the pressure was certainly there. He did not move on to the final round, but he did a great job and can be personally proud of his performance.
My husband accompanied me to Raleigh, where the event was held at the NC History Museum. It was so well done! They really did a fantastic job of not only hosting, but educating the students and audience and making the students feel at ease. There were sound checks and practice times and time to relax and focus. My husband isn't a literary person really, and he enjoyed every moment of the event. It was really a fun time.
And the students were phenomenal! I was so impressed with each one.
As for my worry that I was not preparing G properly-- well--I'm not so worried about that anymore. He was right where he needed to be and he hopes to compete again next year!
It was painful when G found out that he was not moving on. I could see his face, which I now know so well and I could see his disappointment. But on the following Monday, when he came to school, an amazing thing occurred...G came to school wearing his dress shoes, pants, shirt and tie (that we had helped him pick out with the assistance of his mother) and his certificate in hand and showed all the students his achievement. Here I was worried that he would be upset or depressed! He was proud of himself! I breathed a sigh of relief and we posed for a picture together. A great end to this year's POL!
Monday, April 12, 2010
When life gets in the way...
This week, I have to practice what I preach. My students are the kind of students who have had trouble in school when "life gets in the way." Every day I encourage them to reach their goals and not give up--keep plugging through "Macbeth" or whatever they may be working on.
This week, I will have to lead by example. My life is getting in the way of all of my obligations. My Gram is dying and I spent most of spring break with her. The funeral could be any time now and the pressure and grief is mounting.
But...I still have senior papers to review, I still have a parent to meet with today during planning, I still have to give G his assignments for "A Raisin in the Sun." And, most of all, I have to prepare to be gone at any time. And this is where I have to trust that I have taught my students how to continue even without my guidance at every turn. Isn't that what I really want for them afterall? I want them to be able to guide themselves, turn to each other as resources and follow the plans I have left for them. That is what self-pace, non-traditional education is all about.
But for now, I try to remain present, remain their teacher during the hours I am here and push them like there's no tomorrow!!!
This week, I will have to lead by example. My life is getting in the way of all of my obligations. My Gram is dying and I spent most of spring break with her. The funeral could be any time now and the pressure and grief is mounting.
But...I still have senior papers to review, I still have a parent to meet with today during planning, I still have to give G his assignments for "A Raisin in the Sun." And, most of all, I have to prepare to be gone at any time. And this is where I have to trust that I have taught my students how to continue even without my guidance at every turn. Isn't that what I really want for them afterall? I want them to be able to guide themselves, turn to each other as resources and follow the plans I have left for them. That is what self-pace, non-traditional education is all about.
But for now, I try to remain present, remain their teacher during the hours I am here and push them like there's no tomorrow!!!
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