As I told my husband, this week is the week that I realized just how much I missed teaching computer science. I think it’s because it’s the first time since it’s happened that I’ve had time to just enjoy those students.
My 1st period Algebra Repeaters are doing good. I never have to yell at them, and their passing rate is higher. My 7th period is still VERY VERY tough. They constantly play music on the computers and while I have headphones I don’t trust them with them. Heck, I won’t leave the room for a second with them.
Here’s how bad it is. I have a young man who has an 8 average. He also has over 10 absenses THIS six weeks. He wanted me to take the time to pull out the make up work for him. Well, I’ve spent hours creating a web page that has exactly what he needs to do on it, and I have all the handouts in a pile. Everytime I spent a moment dealing with him, the other kids were off doing things they shouldn’t, mostly playing music. I could deal with it if were in the room by ourselves, but we only have a divider seperating my class from the rest of the room.
Thankfully I have my AP kids right before them. They are SO cool. Best group of AP kids I’ve ever had as they ALL want to work they all want to pass the class and pass the test and THEY ask me for help. I feel like it’s all student driven. I really think they were the only group that the old teacher taught, but these kids were special before him. I had 5 of them before, three I really don’t know.
The other fun thing is that each week I seem to get something “back”. The week before spring break I got my AP contract. Today I found my little file cabinet. I am still looking for my desk and my rolling chair. I think the teacher in the other half has it. I wish I could get my closet back…
So it’s better.