Test Prep, Test Prep, and More Test Prep

Standardized tests are almost here, and I will be glad when they are done.  It seems like all I have done this year is to get ready for the tests, including teaching specially prepared lessons sent from the main office.  It's as if I teach an entire chapter in a single lesson. 

Are there any others out there like me who remember the days when teaching to the test was a bad thing?  When a low test score was a reflection of the student who took the test, not the teacher and school?  By blaming the teacher, all accountability for getting an education has been removed from students and their parents. 

Parents, make sure your children do their homework, get a good night's sleep, and come to school every day.  Students, pay attention in class, do your homework, and come to school every day well-rested.  I guarantee you, test scores will rise.

Charitable Contributions

There's been a lot of discussion in the teachers' lounge about whether or not we will maintain our past level of giving to charities.  Most teachers are responding to phone requests by saying, "I'm a teacher.  My wages were cut this year.  I won't be able to make a donation."  One charity that works within our district is United Way.  Many teachers returned their forms last week with a 0 in the donation box. 

John Q. Public, do not be surprised when contributions are down this year.  Teachers, as a group, are compassionate people and tend to donate.  Not this year.  You have bashed us in the press, cut our pay, erased our contracts, and treated us with a total lack of respect.  I am spending my reduced salary on my mortgage and my child's college fund.

Long Day

Made it through the twelve-hour day of conferences.  The hardest part is being ready to teach the next day.  I wish it were Friday.  I also wish the standardized tests were done.  It feels like we have been preparing all year.  Oh wait, we have.  What kind of system makes it my fault if scores are low?  What can I do if kids don't come to school or don't do their homework?  When do parents become responsible for their children?

Stolen Wallet - Part II

OK, so the student who stole the wallet was found, thanks to the maintenance staff watching the security videos.  Of course, no money or credit cards were returned.  The student claimed the amount of money the teacher reported was not accurate.  So now the teacher may get the money back through restitution, maybe not.  The kicker is,  the teacher wanted the student moved to another class.  Admin said it wasn't possible without disrupting the kid's schedule.  Imagine that, the thief should not have his schedule disrupted.  The teacher went back and insisted, so a change was finally made.  Remember the days when the teacher's welfare mattered?

Adding Insult to Injury

It's only October, and many of the teachers in my building are ready for June.  Morale is low, and several teachers are hoping to find jobs outside of teaching.  Kids are disrespectful, lazy, dishonest, and uncooperative.  Then teachers get the blame when test scores drop.  A fellow teacher had her wallet stolen yesterday by one of her students.  I don't know if I would have come back today.  She is trying to decide if she should continue teaching.  It's just one more kick-in-the-teeth.

Decreased Pay for Teachers

Teachers have now received their first decreased paycheck.  Comments are being made that some local business owners feel they are being boycotted by teachers.  We're not boycotting; we have 8-10% less income.  Did you really not think ahead that this would have an impact on your business?!  The figure being quoted last spring was about $7 million in loss of income in our county alone .  We can't spend what we don't have.

Message to Parents

The new school year has started.  Parents, this is a great article about what teachers want you to know in order to help your child be more successful in school.