Entry 8

Today we started testing. One big push for the school as a whole was having 100% attendance. Our class did have 100% attendance. Other classes and grades didn't. Volunteers went out door-to-door to get students. Other staff called homes to find out where students were and to try to get them to school. The reason for going door-to-door (one reason) is a lot of our families don't have phones.

It took a lot to get the students settled to start the exam. Tension was high, but we got started.

I was assigned as a reader to a student identified as being allowed extra help. I had specific instructions to read verbatim all questions, but not to provide any assistance with answers. This student is a young black male. He is very sweet, healthy and cute. His clothing is filthy. His white shirt is probably two or four sizes too large for him. He rolls the sleeves up two or three times. He wears this shirt days is a row. It's not just stained, it's dirty all over. I let Sister know of my concern. She will check and look into getting him a new shirt.

The student I helped did the best he could on his test. I know he did miss (get wrong) many, many questions. I know with a little help, he would have done much better. His score will not reflect his intelligence in my opinion.

Entry 7

Today was a prep day for the standardized state test. We handed out packets with sample math questions to the class.

The desks were setup like they will be for test day. The students had to work the math problems with no assistance from us.

Ms. L. had to go downstairs to get information for the exam on Wed. I was left with the class alone. As usually happens, the class started acting up as soon as Ms. L. left the room. It's aggravating when this happens. It sometimes feels like I'm not even there. I can keep small groups of the class together, but other pockets start acting up. I get them settled and then another group starts. When I try to address the class as a whole, they all start talking and acting up. I saw a teacher in the hallway I really respect and whom the students really listen too. I asked her to come in and speak with the students for me. She's wonderful and I love to watch her work with the students. The first thing she did was turn the lights off and ask the students to put their heads down. It only took seconds for them to comply. Then she said, "Good morning class.". They all responded, "Good morning Ms. V.". She then talked with them about being 5th graders and not needing to be told how to control themselves; that they should know how to behave and should be ashamed of their behavior. She talked to them about how they should listen to me; that Ms. L. should be able to leave the room and expect good behavior from them. After Ms. V. left, the students were fine, but it wasn't long before another staff person came in and stayed with me until Ms. L. came back.

It's not clear to me why the students don't respect my authority, but it is something I want to work on. I want to e.arn their respect.

Entry 6

We are settling into a routine in the classroom. The students recognize me and say hello when I come in.

Today Ms. L was getting report cards ready and I was able to help her. One part of report cards is attendance. I was amazed to see that some students had missed up to 24 days of school. Of course there were also students with perfect attendance.

One female student will often mouth-off at me. Today she asked me, "Isn't it time for you to leave yet?". Ms. L sent her to the principle. When the student came back she was humble and politely said, "Ms. B., I'm sorry.". I told her it was okay and I understood.

Many students do enjoy having me in the classroom and ask when I'll be back again and if I'll eat lunch with them. They are so sweet. I want to take them all home.