Reflecting on the first weeks of school, describe one thing that has worked well and one thing that hasn't worked well.
Reflecting back on the first 5 weeks of school has been very exciting for me because I have a large new classroom and lab. I have enjoyed setting up the classroom and laboratory as discussed in NTI this summer. The staff and students are also excited also. Overall things have gone well for me. I am using the lesson plans and classroom management plans which have proven to be very helpful. The emergency lesson plan was submitted when requested and I was so happy to have it already completed.
The frustations felt over the last couple of weeks are related to equipment and supplies. The HSTE laboratory list of supplies ordered last school year has been placed on hold. I find that particularly disturbing because I had planned my lessons around the items needed to do demonstrations. The best part of this situation is that I was successful last year in a classroom with only a textbook and no supplies, I am certain I can do well with the few supplies that I do have on hand and the teaching strategies I am learning at NTI.
The other frustrations this school year has been the placement of students in the HSTE classes that have not had the introductory class. These students have not been exposed to the medical language and terminology and is expressing some frustrations themselves trying to keep up.
Assisting these students and performing demonstrations and checkoffs have been the greatest challenges so far.
I am hopeful and I know that I can continue do well inspite of the circumstances beyond my control. The students are enjoying the class and that is the most important fact in this giant high school puzzle.
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteI had this same problem this year as well. Our school was extra slow getting supply orders together and I went about a month without printer ink, which is difficult to do when all of your coursework is computer based! I definately had to get creative.
As for the students not having the proper intro class, I have this issue at the beginning of each semester. I send the student to their counselor and tell them that they must take the intro course because it is a mandatory prerequisite. The counselors are usually pretty good about changing their schedules when they hear the word mandatory...
Brenda
ReplyDeleteI always have a problem with supplies as well. This year Career Tech sent us instructions to order supplies through their dept....I am still WAITING.
I agree with the last comment regarding the placement of students in Applications without intro...According to State curriculum and pathways, this should nt be allowed. The counselor should remove these students, it is an injustice to you and the student.
Brenda
ReplyDeleteI always have a problem with supplies as well. This year Career Tech sent us instructions to order supplies through their dept....I am still WAITING.
I agree with the last comment regarding the placement of students in Applications without intro...According to State curriculum and pathways, this should nt be allowed. The counselor should remove these students, it is an injustice to you and the student.
I feel your pain with the budget cuts as well. I was giving a figure for my budget and it was about three to four times the amount I received last year. I was excited to embark on new ideas and projects for my class. But, before I could put my order together I was told to order only the supplies I needed to teach, not the supplies I wanted to teach with. Although it was aggravating, I understand their principals in the budget cuts. With all that is going on in today’s society, think of the cost of gas that the school system has to keep up with just to get the kids to school. Hang in there it will get better. And as teachers, we can overcome these challenges.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that you are willing to work with what you have shows me that you have the ability to puzzle out these situations and survive. You have a great attitude toward the high school puzzle! Dr. J.
ReplyDelete