I think they are way more motivated than last year's group and they definitely have had all the advantages. We have tracked this group since they were sophomores, put 100+ of them in an extra English class last year and hounded them all summer to take the test. I had a kid yesterday who said to me, "Ms. I just realized that I could have taken the test this summer without studying." This student works and couldn't go to the study class so I told him just to take off mornings that one week of summer and take the test. It couldn't hurt. This week, with needing to pass all 4 tests still, he just realized that he might have gotten lucky and passed one of them if he showed up. Sometimes I just wonder....
I have 3 of my new teachers helping with writing camp. I am not at all concerned about their ability, but I am afraid that I am throwing them out there without a lot of preparation. We haven't really gone over how to teach a TAKS essay yet. I have given examples, explained the concept, but I hope it is enough. I'll find out. The kids will tell me if the teacher was confused. They have done this before, again and again.
On a side note, my 7th period class, hellions that they are, might actually learn how to behave. Now, that isn't set in stone. They still won't sit in any type of assigned seat, but they will be quiet to listen to instruction for about 20 min at a time. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten them so that they will be quiet during individual or group work. We are still working on that. I may have to read every story out loud for the rest of the semester. Then I'm praying for some schedule changes in January. Oh, but I won't be there but for 6 weeks, then I'm out for 6 weeks with the baby! That will be nice.
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