Not Friday the 13th but almost as ominous. Today is one of those days...you know, one of those days when you feel like a total and utter failure. This most awesome of days has been brought on by the sudden realization that while there is a program in place, it does not effectively benefit everyone equally.
We had our first "test" today and the mounting stress painted across the faces of each of the officers made my insides melt. I have to split my classes into levels.
I personally despise conventional testing, but at the same time, understand its existence. I also felt like I had failed as a teacher in not fulfilling the obligation I had to prepare them properly.
After watching each student agonize over different sections of the test, I told them that if they don't finish or feel as though they have accomplished as high on the test as they would like, they can take the test again next Friday after we've done more review.
There is no point in allowing students to sit frustrated. It will only create a hatred of a subject.
Just because I will allow a retest this time, does not mean I will allow one next time or the time after that, it simply means that I recognized my failure as a teacher, and worked to correct it.
I will create a schedule of 3 classes to start the week after next with a more properly managed leveled class system so that I can give my students the proper level of education they are prepared for - whether that be 8 steps back and at a slower pace or 3 steps forward and at a faster pace.
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