Week 3 Blog - Went Good!

I can say that this week ended pretty good. Cynthia G. came for my review on Tuesday, during 2 period, and it went good.......................surprise! I prepared for the worst, expected the worst and I guess I covered all of the bases not really knowing it and it worked out. My students were not all angels but I was able to counter act most situations, even removed one from the classroom for behavioral issues, and went on with the class. I had a good surprise at the end of the week. We had to finish up a storage shed for a student from last year by Friday for his parents to pick up. It's a long story and not a good one. The principal made a promise to the parents that it would be finished by Friday. It wasn't finished and 2 advanced students offered to stay with me and help finish it after school. They stayed with me working outside in 40 degree weather till 5:30 to finish it. They were cold when they left, but had smilies on their faces and we had some good conversations while we were doing the work. There are some good kids out there and as teachers we need to not miss those moments when they stand out and recognize them.

I've read some of the other blogs in regards to our professions being a dumping ground for poor or behavioral problem students. It's true...............I have it happen in all of my classes. The majority of them are there because they have been assigned and not by choice. And yes, I have more than my fair share of behavioral issues. I have some of them that they think all they have to do is to cut and hammer in my class and that is all they want to do. My solution now is to keep them busy, keep raising the learning bar in what is being required of them in the class. I let them know that my constructions classes are educational classes, that they are going to have homework, tests, and projects required of them to pass the class. And if they don't do the work, they are going to fail! Their grade is the grade they earn, not what I decide to give them. It's their responsibility to pass, not mine. These are my thoughts right now, and I know it's going to take time, even years for the administration and student body to realize that the Construction Program is not a slough-off program but an education program with high standards that the students are going to have to work and study at to pass. I also realize that the caliber of students who want to take my classes are not going to be at the level of the college bound students. I need to watch and be aware of those students that I raise the educational bar only to the level that is obtainable for them so that they can have success and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Mike M.