Senioritis - H

It's almost the end of the school year, and some say it's too early to count down the days, but I've started. It's probably not a good thing. It's kind of like having senioritis. I just want to play, play, play rather than work, work, work. At the same time, the kids probably enjoy a more relaxed Mrs. A. I really need to learn to be a little more relaxed in class.

I've been giving science course recommendations for next year to my students. That's probably been the best part of the year so far. I had the chance to chat with a few of them, learn about their insecurities and doubts about their abilities, and then encourage them by letting them know that I believe in them and know that they have the ability to pursue the more challenging course. That's a really good feeling. I wish I had more time to talk to my students like that. Sigh. Will California schools ever have enough funding to reduce class sizes?! Our average class size is 33. Even bringing the number down to 28 is so much more manageable, and that enables teachers to give more attention and feedback to each individual. We need to give money to education, and we need to cut class size! I hope it happens before my kids get to school...but I don't think it's going to happen. I'm not saying that kids can't succeed, but there's a greater chance that kids will fall through the cracks b/c we just can't serve that many students as effectively. I've seen a few this year who have had the same issues for years, and those issues were identified years ago, but no one has been able to or taken the time to help them. We are overloaded with students. The result? They still have the same problems into high school.

Enough preaching. I've just seen schools run differently, and I can't stop comparing.