This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
NUMBERS!!
If you could change just ONE THING about your program, what would it be, and WHY? (You may want to post about curriculum, student selection, pathway, industry certification, local school administration, etc.)
If I could change one thing about my program, I would choose to change the numbers of students that are thrown into these classes without any interest in the program. Our Graphic Communications Program is the Magnet at our school and also, the largest program in our school. There are two teachers, 5 available levels of completion and 160+ students taught daily. It's a mess. Because, we are the largest program we often get dumped on. Our classes are full of the behavior problem students and that hurts the students that actually want to take these courses and serious about their work. Sometimes, you are able to get through to those students and interest them in your program but not often. The administration and the counselors know that these students have no interest in the program and yet they do nothing. It's a constant battle to try and gain students interest and attention when they could care less. I do the best I can but I also realize I can't get through to every student. There has been a couple of times where I've been surprised and a problem student actually turned around to love my class and be one of my best students. So, I guess there is always that part of me that's hoping for the best, hoping that I can be the one teacher that can get through to that particular student, and trying my best to teach them the skills that no matter what profession they choose they can use.
I’m glad I’m not the only one that feels this way, and what’s sad is that it’s happening in several schools. I thought it was just my school put apparently it’s not. Why are they doing this? Why are they just throwing students into whatever pathway is open? I might be wrong LRS, but they might not care about our classes or they don’t take our classes seriously. Whatever it is, I hope I don’t get fired for making these comments. When you find out the answer LRS would you let me know? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic post, Lyndsey. We probably need to spend a class session brainstorming about this issue. I think most if not everyone has this as a challenge/problem. It should not be "swept under the rug." Dr. J.
ReplyDeleteLyndsey I love you. I think the challenge you are talking about comes from the generation. The kids we teach are missing the cornerstone piece of the puzzle our generation sought to build the puzzle upon! Hard work pays off...grow up and make your own way...and lastly, independence!! I hope we all find a way to bridge the gap and instill that desire in our students. After all, they are going to be the ones taking care of us one day!!!
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