Big week - whew

One down, four more to go. Although I am not seeing them as weeks, but snapshots of a potential hell in five part sequence. Strangely, things are getting smoother.

While the kids expect to stop learning altogether, and the teachers expect to ramp things down and coast to the finish, the administration following the lead of the school board has increased accountability, requiring us to submit plans for all five of the remaining weeks. We teachers have been asked to give up a planning period to do a walk-through and 'inspect' our fellow teachers. Not doing a hell of a lot for morale, especially during a period where most teachers are inspecting their options and reasons for staying.

Friday I had a professional development seminar in the school library, so was excused from teaching. Except the sub arrived 10 minutes after 8 (school starts at 7:15). But I got to leave when it was finished - missing the fallout from a massive foodfight instigated by 7th graders who were not allowed (due to behavior issues) to attend a field trip. This could set the tone for the rest of the year, and possibly show up the ineffective options the administration and teachers have to combat such things.

Meanwhile, a prostitution sting near a local high school (hello, Hamilton) netted a 14-year old working-girl who was truant. Mother puts the blame on the school for not calling her to tell her the daughter did not show up at school, completely ignoring the 39 unexcused absences this girl has racked up over the year. Oh, and she wasn't turning tricks, she was just standing around.

Today was my big test day. Praxis, teacher competency. Even though I am licensed for K-8, new requirements don't allow me to be highly qualified for 7 and 8 unless I take a test showing I know the material for Middle School. So I did. I hate going there, although I always test well. Hearing people like the guy behind me, going for the fourth time (Last time I only missed passing by 5 points). And you know he is probably still teaching, maybe even has tenure and can't be removed. Results in 4 weeks, right about the time school ends, but soon enough to give my principal peace of mind that I am highly qualified for the 7th grade class to which she assigned me.