Update

So the first nine weeks are drawing to a close? I didn't realize this until the staff started discussing the unit test schedule for each class. It doesn't even feel like I've completed 1/4 of the year, but looking back on my objectives that will be tested I can tell that I've taught a great deal of material. Some things are getting easier, but my last period class is still quite difficult. 3rd period has settled down, but that's mainly due to many of the students being suspended or in ISS (in school suspension).

Tutoring has been a huge success so far. I've had a solid group of students at each session and many are there because they really want the help. My new policy on buying food for them is that I only do it for the first 3 that get the mini-quiz right at the end of the session. The students usually come in a group of friends around the same time and then leave at the same time, too. Besides being able to help the students with the material, tutoring also helps with getting to know the students outside of school. Many were just impressed that I wanted to help them outside of school.

I've also been getting observed recently by the principal, our education consultant, our math and literacy coaches, and my mentor. While they haven't been in there all at once, I did have one day where there were 3-4 observers in the room at once. I was a bit nervous, but luckily everything was clicking during the lesson. It's a toss up most days if the lesson will succeed. While sometimes it's due to how I deliver it, some classes are more excited/interested than others. My first and third periods could love something and my 5th and 6th periods hate it.

The same goes with behavior. I've had students act completely rude and disrespectful one day and then the next act like the most well mannered student imaginable. I have to remind myself and each class that each day is a blank slate. It seems to help because grudges don't develop as the students know that I am not holding their previous day's behavior against them. As I discovered at the Quest program, many of these students have gone through or are going through difficult phases in their life. They bring this into the school each day along with the difficulties of going through puberty/growing up. The result is that each day is unpredictable.

On an unrelated note, the new car is working well. I love how it drives and the fact that it will accelerate without having to floor the accelerator (as I had to do on the Toyota). This makes passing and getting on the highway much easier (and safer).

This week shouldn't be too bad in terms of work. I am giving our unit test on Wednesday and part of Thursday. The days before will be spent reteaching one lesson that didn't go over well along with a review of the major concepts in the first unit (genetics and evolution). Friday may be spent with a movie introducing our next unit as the students will have tested most of the week along with Friday being Homecoming (the middle school gets to participate in the activities, too). While I know that I should have high expectations of my students, something tells me that the motivation to learn or start a new unit on Friday will be quite low.