My job as a 3rd grade teacher at Pinewood Park is very stressful and not very rewarding. There are those moments, though, that my students do something that just makes me glad I do what I do. Today was one of those days! We gave our students a practice TAKS test so we could gauge where we think they are and what we need to work on. I did not expect very many of my students to pass....not because I am being negative or mean, just because I am for real. I do not have any lofty ideas that I am Anne Sullivan and have worked a miracle in these students' lives over the past 4 months. They came to me reading on Kindergarten and 1st grade levels, and at Christmas when I re-tested them and they moved up to "end of 1st grade" and "beginning of 2nd grade" levels I was ecstatic! You take what you can get, and any bit of improvement is a reason for celebration in my book! So, back to today.....they took the test and were all finished in less than 2 hours, which means 1 of 2 things: 1) they are all extremely smart and have no problem reading or using deductive reasoning, or 2) they didn't even try and they will all fail. So, I was not happy when they said they were done, and I made them go back over their tests and make sure they had done their best. When I graded them I had 6 kids pass (out of 18 who took the test...one kid was sick and will take it next week)!!!! 6!!! That is soooo awesome! I know that to most of you, that isn't a good average, but it is sooo much better than I expected. I also had a few scores of 69 and 67 which means they have a chance! The kids who passed made 75's, 83's, and 86's. To be in the 80's is really good and makes me all the more hopeful for them on that fateful day in February when they will be given the real TAKS test. Until then, I will continue working with them, praying for them, and encouraging them to do their best. I am thrilled with the success they have achieved so far!
7 comments:
I was thrilled when you told me the news today. It amazes me the delight those of us who work on struggling campuses feel with every little success. You have worked hard and when it is all said and done... more will pass and that will be the only reward you will need. The kind of successes that you gain with each and every one of your students always helps to ease the pains and frustrations you feel every single day of the school year. Those kids are lucky to have you because you are a natural. God must have angels watching over your classroom.
I sure believe that He does! You are a great encouragement to me every day and sometimes when I don't see you, I am looking for you just so I can get some encouragement!! I am glad to share this "growing" time in my life with my wonderful god-mother!
That is great! I don't know what you go through on a daily basis other than what you tell me and I am sure on those occasions you have probably forgotten some things. I am glad that those kids have you as their teacher because you are probably the only consistent thing in their lives.
On a totally different subject have you noticed that if you misspell a word in your comments that it will now put a red line under it? That is so awesome because sometimes I get carried away and don't catch it!
did not notice that because I just spelled a word wrong and it didn't put a red line under it....is that while you are typing?
yes mine does it while I am typing in the comment box
cool beans!
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