Get Schooled

By TeacherMom

May 19, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

This week, we have two honors day assemblies (seniors one day and underclassmen the next) and a field day for juniors for doing well on the GHSGT. I will hardly see my juniors this week, so they’ll be reading Gatsby on their own to prepare for our Socratic seminar. My sophomores are polishing their persuasive writing skills to get ready for next year’s GHSGT writing test. We’ll review next Tuesday for their cumulative finals, which are given over three half-days. No movies here. We work up until the last day because we lose enough instructional time during the year; every minute counts.

By gwinnnett educator

May 19, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

I am packing and the students are watching a movie that is being shown school wide on closed circuit.

School has been “over” since the CRCT. I have spent that time focusing on 2nd grade routines and work. I have been giving my students 2nd grade work since the beginning of the year, but I do more talking about what to expect in 2nd grade. Last week, I reviewed things from the beginning of the year on and started off the day doing the same thing.

However, we have to get things packed (moving to new building) and I will not be here Wed. (surgery at 730am)

Wishing everyone a wonderful summer.

By Ernest

May 19, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

While there are still 180 ‘instructional’ days in the school year, how they are spread throughout the year is different from when I was in school. I recall books being taken up the last day or two of school hence we worked until that time. Teachers also stayed 2-3 days after the last day with students to finish report cards along performing a physical inventory.

It seems nowadays some of these things are done prior to the last week. For obvious concerns, I believe students can’t even bring book bags the last few days of school. A lot of time is spent on preparing for promotion/graduation ceremonies, end of the year parties, and/or watching movies. Given the many have mentally ‘checked out’, it seems hard to think that instruction will occur during this time.

By JustMe

May 19, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

It depends. It depends upon school (elementary, middle, high). For high schools, students (seniors particularly) are rushing to complete any requirements for graduation. This includes turning in library materials, paying for lost textbooks, turning in assignments, turning in PE material, whatever.

It depends on subject. Some of the core classes are so packed with content, good teachers must continue teaching new lessons up to the very last minute.

It depends on the students. Some students behave so very badly, teachers are lucky if students just don’t hurt each other or themselves this last week.

I shutter to think that elementary and middle schools stop teaching after the CRCT. As a high school teacher, I think of the many freshmen that we get that cannot read, much less remember any content they must have to pass a high school class.

I have seen most trouble from classes where the teacher has stopped teaching towards the end. Students get bored and will find SOMETHING to do - and that includes getting into trouble.

As I have been threatening for the past year - I am moving. I look forward to going to another place where the laws are in place to actually help education, help teachers to teach (where there is a real teacher union), etc. Good luck to all teachers and parents that are sincere in their efforts on behalf of the students!

Farewell!

By jim d

May 19, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Learning doesn’t stop until we are planted.

For the younger students, learning through activities will continue throughout the summer. For many of the older students—learning will continue as they join the workforce. For some like mine? his education will continue after a brief 10 day break, as he goes off to the school of choice for a month of rigorous training to prepare him for his college expeirence which will begin in early august.

Bottom line? Regardless of the “lesson plan”, kids will continue to learn.

By jim d

May 19, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

JM,

Stick around! I’ll miss our daily verbal sparring should you abandon this blog. Regardless of the fact we seldom agree, you do have the ability to make me reason more clearly. THANKS,

By jim d

May 19, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Just speaking of learning in general, I read somewhere the other day (NO Links JM) that mans accumulated knowledge has doubled since the invent of the internet (thank you Al Gore) and will soon be doubling every 17 days.

That being said, I suggest mankind will become exponentially less intelligent due to having more knowledge available that we have not yet learned.

By Lisa B.

May 19, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

8th grade students are working on writing their memoirs, devoping a business plan, conducting marketing surveys, and personal budgets based on projected income from their future businesses and careers. The project encompasses social studies, writing, research, math and science. The students seem completely engaged. I know that teachers are tired this time of year, but if the kids aren’t engaged in school work, they engage themselves in other things that often create disruptions and make the day even more exhausting for teachers. Many students won’t watch a movie.

By teach1

May 19, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Review and extenstion! We even covered mulitplication concepts in 1st grade last week. It tied in with our 3 digit addition review.

Students behavior is maintained best if the expectations stay high and routines are maintained. Only the last 2 days of school will be remarkably different - memory day and celebration day!

By MountainMama

May 19, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Anyone who doesn’t think the kids (regardless of age) have already “checked out” is fooling themselves. Should the teachers spend the last week of school trying to pound new information into them? NO…that would be a waste of everyone’s time. Should the kids have all “free time” and just watch “entertaining” movies? NO…what purpose does that serve?

Our middle school (Towns County) does a good job in my opinion of coming up with different activities to keep the kids involved during the last couple weeks of school. They had a “quiz bowl” last week…where the homerooms are divided into teams and they compete against each other; there was also a talent show and those same teams had entrants and the top four placing acts scored points for their respective teams. Then this week each grade level will have one day devoted to their field day events. Again, the same teams are in place and points are awarded in each event to the top four finishers. The points from the quiz bowl, talent show and field day are then compiled and on the next to last day of school there will be an awards assembly for 6th & 7th grades (8th grade graduation/awards will be on Friday morning)and the winning team from each grade level will be announced and then the grade level with the highest score will be the school champion. It is very competitive and the kids take it very seriously and really enjoy the whole process.
I find it to be a great way to keep the kids interested and involved up to the final day. And learning is taking place….it just isn’t in the traditional classroom setting. Our kids will get out Friday at 12:15, immediately followiing the 8th grade graduation ceremony.

Here’s hoping everyone, wherever you may live, has a happy and safe summer!

By Lisa B.

May 19, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Based on rumors I’m hearing about abysmal CRCT results statewide, we’d better keep on teaching until the very last day.

By catlady

May 19, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

We are expected to keep on actively teaching until noon or so of the last day. Our lesson plans are even being checked, and “snapshots” taken. While there are a few special activities (5th grade cookout, 3rd grade field “day” (2 hrs)) the rest of the time we are required to be doing direct, teacher led instruction. No movies. Still 2 hrs 40 min of reading each day, including the last day. In addition, we are expected to attend meetings, do grades, etc while juggling the other balls.

Now the KIDS, on the other hand, have assumed school is over once the CRCT is over. We have to disabuse them of that idea. We have already disabused them of the idea that school is FUN.

By TheTeacher

May 19, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

catlady - I didn’t know that there was ever any idea that school MUST be “fun.” Silly me. I thought school’s purpose was a place to learn.

By Stacey

May 19, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

My son (1st grade) still brings home worksheets that he did in class but they have not had homework in over a month (the week before CRCT). They have had field day and/or some sort of party several days last week (at least two are planned for this week). The last day for my county is 05/30/08.

By Ernest

May 19, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

MountainMama, sounds like Towns County does a pretty good job in keeping every one engaged during the last week of school. I plan to mention those activities to some of the schools close to where I live.

JustMe, best wishes to you wherever that path leads you. I also enjoyed the ‘dialogue’ between yourself and JimD. The internet is everywhere so hopefully you will still participate in the discussions though you may not be physically here. You can still cheer for your ‘Fuzzy Bees’ also… :)

And JimD, I hope you don’t go anywhere once your son graduates. KA no longer posts and SET has slowed down somewhat so we need that perspective!

By Just a teacher

May 19, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Since I teach mostly seniors in an AP class, they have just finished two weeks of grueling national exams. I feel absolutely no guilt about showing movies and playing Taboo until the end of the year.

(This is one time when I definitely think the private schools get it right: with no mandatory minimum attendance rules, their seniors don’t have to show up after AP tests.)

By jim d

May 19, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Ernest,

I’m like a bad penny :-)

By jim d

May 19, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

As for the Seniors and studies?

Mine is now coasting for the next 10 class hours. He, finished his AP exams, opted out of most of his final exams and in going in later and getting out at lunchtime for the next two days. Personally, I feel if they haven’t learned it after 13 years y’all need to go home yourselves.

By BB

May 19, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Our school did a “step-up” time where each grade level visited next-year’s teacher every morning for 2 weeks. Of course, it was a lot of work, and a planning nightmare, but it was extremely beneficial for the students! When they begin school in the fall, they will already know their class, teacher, and what is expected of them….less time at the beginning of the year going over rules,etc.

By DB

May 19, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

The seniors at our school are out west on their class trip this week. They finished up AP exams, the seniors who didn’t exempt out of regular exams took their exams last week, and on Saturday, they hopped on a plane out west to go skiing, fishing, horseback riding, and generally have a grand ol’ one last fling together before coming back Thursday. Friday morning they have rehearsal for graduation, Friday night is baccalaureate, and Saturday is graduation.

Takes care of the “what to do with them after AP exams” problem — get ‘em out of town!

By Old School

May 19, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

My mixed level/mixed training ED&D classes are working on developing a steps-procedure for a single view drawing to be completed on AutoCAD. They must write out the instructions clearly enough and in a logical sequence that the next class can produce the drawing accurately from those written instructions. Only after printing out their solutions will those drawing get to see how close they came to the original drawing. We have been laughing (they ask me to do a trial run on their instructions and I’ve only gotten through the first 2 or 3 steps before throwing my hands up in frustration!)

We are having a blast, the students are learning lots about logical sequencing and the importance of clear, concise instructions, and EVERYONE is completely engaged! I’m loving it!

By Lisa B.

May 19, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

I do think Seniors who have finished testing, etc., deserve a bit of free time. My perspective come from upper elementary and middle school, where, believe me, the students need to be busy :-)

Keep in touch, Just Me. I am happy you found a satisfactory position and location.

By Teacher, Too

May 19, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

We had to have our grades in today, even though school isn’t over until Friday. Drives me crazy— I had assignments planned for the rest of the week, but it’s hard to give assignments knowing that students aren’t going to receive credit for them.

So, I’m going to do some fun learning activities and hope I can keep them engaged.

By jim d

May 19, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Teacher too,

LOL, C’mon !!! after all these years I know teachers keep plenty of “BUSY WORK” for times like these. :-)

By mom3boys

May 19, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

8th graders=stick a fork in them; they are done.

By Teacher, Too

May 19, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

jim d-

If only I believed in “busy” work. Unfortunately, I believe that if work is worthy of being assigned, then students ought to receive some credit (unless it’s brand new material and we are practicing before a graded assignment).

So, we’ll do “fun” learning stuff- since my grades are finished and submitted.

By jim d

May 19, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

READYSET __GO!!! for all you LUCKY teachers that HAVE SUMMERS OFF” (said TIC)

By jim d

May 19, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

mom3boys ,

Better use the tongs, don’t want them to bleed just yet—-They got 4 more years and the next one will be the toughest.

By Considering Homeschool

May 19, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

I’m seriously considering homeschool for my 1st Grade daughter next year. She’s seen more movies at our public school this year than we’ve seen as a family. They not only have Field Day, Awards Day, and End of the Year party. They also have a shopping day for good behavior. Oh, I almost forgot movie day and pajama day. Those are next week. I think elementary schools give up once the CRCT is done. My kid needs to keep learning.

By TheTeacher

May 19, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

I honestly see nothing wrong with homeschooling, especially for the younger grades. The only down side is the loss of peer association; but if you put forth the effort you may overcome that as well.

I would caution about the later grades in K-12. It is harder for you to be a content expert in all subjects (chemistry, calculus, European History, etc.). There are outside experts that you can hire to come to your home, but that does get costly.

By jim d

May 19, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Not sure where you are but there are several support groups out there for people homeschooling.

You might want to look at PEACH in Gwinnett.

As for social networking there are a lot of different groups to enhance that expierence for you child. It is really a non-issue in this day and time.

BEST OF LUCK!

By high school teacher

May 19, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

We have to have grades in tomorrow at noon, and the last day is Friday. What to do the next four days? Our principal has banned movies unless they come from our media center. I like the busy work route; kids know that it won’t be graded, so that becomes a classroom management issue. Sudoku, anyone?

By high school teacher

May 19, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Okay, that should have been, “I don’t like the busy work route!”

By catlady

May 19, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

The Teach—you are right about school being for learning. Used to be, however, that you could occasionally take a break (5th graders vs teachers in softball, for example. Reading a book under the shade trees outside). No more, at least for us! 2 hrs 40 minutes of reading (no language arts) each day, 180 days a year. Hour and a half of math, same. 20 minutes (if you are lucky) recess. 25 minutes of lunch (but you may be on silent lunch). Intervention math (half the school), intervention reading (40% of the school), science, social studies, language arts, health. 4 trips to the bathrom. 30 minutes of art or music or pe. Nothing whimsical. No “fluff” (def: anything fun that is not totally teacher-driven, explicit, direct instruction). No time to think a thought or share a dream.

By catlady

May 19, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Oh—that 2 hrs 40 min reading time—no worksheets, no writing and illustrating.

And, on the last day, we are to tell parents who want to pick their child up early that it will be an unexcused absence.

By teachme

May 19, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Students at my high school are scrambling to do work they put off all year. Thanks to the lastest craze in education “credit recovery” teachers are working overtime to grade PASS DUE assignments to keep those graduation rates up.

By spillthebeans

May 19, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

From what I hear sounds like we need to hit the books in social studies. Word is statewide the results are real bad. Why do we expect kids to do well in social studies when schools don’t actually teach it until late elementary grades? If we waited unit late elementary to teach math or reading the scores for reading and math would be bad statewide. Wonder how the state department will spin this bit of news?

By Jeff

May 19, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

For college educated parents who work in white collar jobs, if one of them wants to go the SAH route and homeschool the kids, I say GO FOR IT!!

Even in the later grades, you will almost ALWAYS be able to find someone with subject matter expertise if you look in the right places. (Depending on the industries/area, you should be able to find about anything through your work network or church. I know even down here in Albany I am confident that between the churches in the area, my professional connections, and T’s, we can EASILY find subject matter experts in the Chem/Calc areas that are my only two real weaknesses.) Outside of work/church connections, you can always try the local (or as local to you as possible) colleges/tech schools. Take a few classes - it never hurts - and find someone you trust has solid expertise and talk to them. Worst they can say is no!

By Lee

May 19, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

“As a high school teacher, I think of the many freshmen that we get that cannot read, much less remember any content they must have to pass a high school class.”

Newsflash, that just didn’t happen because the teacher decided to have a little fun during the final week of school. That takes years and years of ineffective teaching and administrative oversight.

Let’s see, what have I been preaching on this blog? Oh yeah, something about the reason for all these mind-numbing tests is because the schools were graduating illiterates.

Ya’ll have fun these next few days…..

By luvs2teach

May 19, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

Well, I am ashamed to admit that I am showing a movie this week…it wasn’t my original plan, and I’m not doing it in all classes, and I’m not doing it all week…

We’ve actually been working pretty hard on projects - my kids had an engineering-type project where they needed to use what we learned this year to construct something practical. The first part of this week was slated for presentations, but do to a variety of unforeseen factors (messed up finals schedules and a colleague’s sudden illness, among other things) I had to shift some stuff around, leaving me too much time in some periods, and not enough in others. Ah, well, flexibility is key. Most of my kids are still working…sort of…

By luvs2teach

May 20, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

oops - should read “due to unforeseen…”

BTW, the other teachers on my team are all making them work - there’s not too much slacking going on (and those watching the movie have an assignment to complete as well - it’s not just popcorn time). I’m just sort of disappointed because I had planned out my end of the year work and the kids were pretty into it, and then we had complications. What are you going to do?

By jim d

May 20, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this

240 minutes and counting

By jim d

May 20, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

OK folks, we’re down to the last 120 minutes and on hold until tommorrow.

By DB

May 20, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Well, if the CRTC scores are ANY indication, they better be cramming these kids getting them ready for summer school!

How nice — dismal scores, and yet still have time to watch movies and play games.

By em

May 20, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

My child is in high school and his teacher took up books three weeks ago after the EOCT. I was incensed because all they did was watch movies and do little “busy work” projects. As long as the citizens of the State of Georgia continue to put up with this crap, then that is what you will get in public education. The State mandates a minimum amount of seat hours of instruction which are not being met by most school systems!