Today in the lunch room, the teachers were conversing about the Superintendent because he was at the school today and had gone around into each class (aparently, according to my teacher, the 1st time in 2 years...can you imagine their feelings toward this?). Anyway, my teacher was saying how much he intimidates her, especially at the last meeting she had because she had to show where the students were at from last year. She made a comment about it being different from the gen ed teachers because she doesn't have the standards. I wanted to cry. So apparently, what I took away from that, is that she does not think she has to tie anything to anything...she has no basis for what she does in this class. Grant it, I know she does some things because they are in their IEP's, but it's never aligned, nor does she have proof of what they are learning - making progress on or mastering. Maybe this would be a perfect time to present that notebook to her again that I created for that very purpose. I've showed it to her before, but perhaps she did not understand it. She's intimidated maybe because she either knows she is not doing it right (no really willingly but because that's what she knows) or maybe because she feels like she is missing something. It was neat to hear her say that though...I learned a lot from it! Hopefully that will open another door of opportunity.
Oh and because of my experience this summer, it's neat because I don't feel that intimidated. I think I feel more expectation for authorities such a superintendents because I understand more of the teamwork it takes at all levels for a school system to work! I'm not afraid to speak up/out or to challenge what I think is not being done correctly. I'm not even afraid to lose a job if it's for what's right. I know my problem will just be making sure I am always respectful and never conceited or prideful when addressing such issues. I have to go in with the intent of trying to make the situation better and not just proving that "I know best" or "I am right" because that won't always, if ever, be the case. TEAMWORK is HUGE!
The student with an emotional disability was down here this morning and his gen ed teacher was in here too to talk to the speech teacher. My teacher did not yell when he told her he wasn't done with his problems yet. It could have been that it didn't upset her, but I think I noticed it just because it wasn't her normal tone or way of responding...it was nice and easy going...very different. On another note, the Sup came in our class today, so I tried to just be me and do what I was doing and not worry about the fact that I was being watched. Watching, applying, learning...again and again!
Also, at the end of the day, my teacher was trying to get an assignment done with this same student. They were making a word puzzle for social studies. She had him start doing it on the computer, but since he was going slow, she started doing it for him. And at the end, they still needed one word, and I think after he gave her the book, she just picked one and typed it in. (again, I don't know all the details). Then after the kids had left, I was talking to her about the student I work with...how I write stuff for him if writing is not what is being assessed and if I believe he has mastered the concept. She told me that's what she does/did with the student she works with. She said since he wrote down the words and definitions, she didn't mind doing the computer because it would have taken him forever. BUT, I really don't think he found the defintions or understood the words, and if the whole point of the project was to create a puzzle, then he should have been doing that (in my opinion); he could have done it by hand too...grant it, again, I don't know the entire situation, but I just feel like that kid is not learning and not getting what he needs...academically or behaviorally. Communication with other teachers sure is key with a student like that...I can't wait for an opportunity to really see that played out...like be a part of a identifying and setting up an IEP/plan for a student and then carrying it out...like it should be carried out! I feel like I'll be going in blind, but at least I will know what "not" to do or at least to be aware of those types of things;)!
Have a great weekend!
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Olivia,
ReplyDeleteYou have learned and grown so much this semester...I know it has been hard at times but I think it will most definitely benefit your future employment (and students). Don't hesitate to ask a lot of questions when you are unsure of how to handle your future students...instead of not doing something or doing it wrong.
I pray your last week goes well!
Prof. Forshey