I haven't written since the first day back for teachers and I did this on purpose. It's been a very confusing and frustrating beginning of the year and I wanted to wait to really be thoughtful when putting my thoughts down.
Let's start with our math program. Saxon math was billed as an awesome math program that will help our students become better mathematicians. So far, I feel that the math program is moving slowing. The program is a direct instruction math program and so it has a lot of teacher talk. Our low students seem to be doing alright but the high students are bored and have become behavior issues! I am hoping that it picks up the pace quickly!
Now on to reading...
Our reading program was designed to teach students on their academic level. Our principal decided that we were not going to be able to teach the students on their academic level but teach them using the grade level material. Now, for those who have been keeping up, I know this program like the back of my hand and really enjoy using it. Five of my 21 students tested on grade level. That means the other 16 students where going to be taught First grade material when they should be taught on a kindergarten level. I was mad, frustrated and confused. If we were going to use this program and have it be successful like it was at our previous school, why are we not using it the way it was designed? I spent many hours on the phone with colleagues venting, discussing and planning, with many tears. I didn't want to go to my principal just yet. I was worried I wouldn't be able to keep my temper under control! :) My teammates and I decided not to level our students. We decided that if we are all going to use the program beginning on lesson 1, level 1... what would be the benefits of switching.
I finally talked to the principal and I think we are getting Kindergarten sets. Phew... Now I am wondering if we should have switched our students. I think I have figured a way to do it if we need too. I have no idea how long it will actually take to get the Kindergarten kits. I also am pretty sure that most of my team isn't actually using the program right now. I have heard some teachers throughout the school say they are trying the program and are really enjoying it. There is hope!
I have been using my 1st grade set with my both my low and high groups. My high group is doing alright with it. My low group... let's just say, it's been 3 days and we are STILL on lesson 1! I do not forsee us getting through the lesson any day soon. They just don't have the subskills needed. My low group is a very frustrating 30 minutes for me. I find myself losing my patience with them, which is unusual for me. I really enjoy teaching low students, but they aren't being successful and I haven't figured out how to keep true to the program and yet have them feel successful. Suggestions??
There are also lots of other changes going on at school. We started out with 3 kindergarten classes and 6 first grade classes. After the first week, we lost a first grade class and it was made into a kindergarten class. Then less than a week later, 5th grade lost a teacher to make another kindergarten class! I just heard today that 2 teachers were being moved to another school and there is still a possibility of another kindergarten class being made! Crazy...
Tomorrow is staff meeting day, which are always interesting. Hopefully, we will be getting a new schedule so reading block isn't starting at the same time school starts! My kids are never there on time! The good news is that I enjoy my class most days. A few drive me crazy but that is expected! It's not like last year. I also was able to work with a kiddo today from last year to help him have a great day. I am hoping by taking a few minutes out of my lunch each day that he and I can build a solid teacher/student relationship and help him have great days every day!
Till next time...
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