It's been a while since I've written. A lot going on...personally and professionally. Christmas break came and went. Quicker than I could have imagined. We are heading into the 3rd quarter, and students take A3 (third ANET assessment which was a preparation tool for PARCC which we probably won't take) in 2 weeks. My students have all been BAS'd (Benchmark Assessment System- tells me their reading level) and shortly we will have MAP goal discussions (for the NWEA assessment) Anyone who knows me knows I love data. However, for a first year teacher, with no set curriculum, WHAT to teach is a challenge. ANET sets up which standards should be taught (Common core that is) but teaching mastery of a standard in one week is an unrealistic expectation. With BAS comes "guided reading" which, I will begin to implement in a week, and NWEA preparation demands attention the des cartes skills that, we are no longer teaching too. But there needs to be something that proves growth and the fact that teaching and learning is going on. So I don't spend a lot of time lamenting these tests, but allow myself moments to verbally curse out the testing gods...and then I roll back on track.
What I've come to realize is, my kids benefit through 3 things: 1. a calm and safe climate and culture in the school and classroom, 2. Consistent teaching and learning, regardless of what standard or strand, and 3. steady, continued attendance at school.
With regard to the first one, the culture and climate, I am proud to say 90% of our staff is committed to this value. I feel support not only from administration (best Dean on the west side, easily!) but primary teachers as well. Everyone hold students accountable which is how it must be. Yes, there is the occasional teacher who shares their feelings that something is "not my job" but it is pretty rare and for that I am thankful. My grade level partner and I get each others back with our students every time. There is no running to mom when you are mad at dad! My kids know what is expected during instruction and as a result, I can play music, that they like, and have admin walk in my classroom and see students intent on the task at hand.
Second, consistent teaching and learning. Yes, I lose my voice on the regular, yes, my feet hurt like hell at the end of the week, no, I don't get a prep or lunch most days, but it is worth it! I teach like my pants are on fire and for that, I can say my kids are learning. Even when they are in the lunchroom, or hall, "money language" is required! From the moment they are in my care, until they walk out the door, scholarly behavior is a must. Teaching happens in ever space in the school!
Last, attendance. My attendance is steady at 97%. YES, I work hard for this number! Every parent has my cell phone number and EVERY day I call each and every parent or auntie or grandma when a student isn't present by 8:45am. School starts at 8:30am. If your student is not in the building by 8:45am they are late and therefore they are missing teaching and learning. At least once a week I get someone's parent or guardian who tells me their child "isn't feeling well" or "can't get to school because...". Sure, kids get sick and occasionally need to stay home to prevent effecting all the other students, but headaches and sniffles don't fly with me! I have found shoes and clothing for students whose parents call and tell me their child can't come because they are without these items, I have picked students up in the morning who's parents were unable to get their student to school, I have given a parent money to get their student to school when bus cards were not available. They have to be at school to receive instruction!
I have one student who has missed 12 days this year. His mother doesn't understand how dire the situation is now. He has missed for suspensions, ditching school and having to take his grandma to the doctor. She thinks he can make up the work and he will be ok. She doesn't get it. I finally had to tell her your son is looking at the strong reality he will be retained in 6th grade. She said she'd come to school the next day so we could make a plan. She didn't show. No call. No message.
Another student who's mom doesn't send her daughter when it rains or snows. She allows her daughter to make excuses for missed days and work. Pulls her out to take her to winter wonderland at Navy pier. Her daughter was one of the highest in the class. She is now slipping, her reading is getting worse, and she has been out a week.
Then there is the student whose mother put her in a behavioral hospital for 2 weeks because she runs away. I visited her there. Brought her work because if nothing else, this girl does all her school work. She told me she doesn't feel safe at home. She comes back to school and we hear she has run away and hasn't been home since Friday. But she came to school. Now, her mom is threatening to send her back to the hospital so she is ditching school. She never ditches school. Mom still hasn't come to school to discuss a plan.
My point in all of this is, the kids have to be at school in order to learn. Until a student is 16, it is the parent's responsibility to make sure their kid is AT school. We are doing everything we can at school to provide the best Free and Public education for our students. We are definitely held accountable- via data, on may levels. How do we hold parents accountable?
