Working It!

I haven't written in awhile because I've reached one of the pivotal points in my doctoral work so most of my time on the weekend is devoted to research and writing. During the week it's difficult to find a good chunk of time to write a thoughtful entry.  However, so much has been racing through my mind, that I had to make time to write.

It has been a powerful and interesting 4 weeks.  I had minor sinus surgery, which cramped my style for a good week and a half. I was cranky, tired, and anything but creative. Thankfully, my students didn't throw me out the window.

There's so much I want to write about, but I think the thing that gnawing on me the most is figuring out how to reach the slice of students that needs direct intervention by me.  I know who the kids are, and I even have time set up on Fridays to work it, but the problem is I don't know how.  There. I said it. I'm not sure how to help my specific slice of kids that is struggling with writing. So my homework is to try and find some awesome teaching videos that hopefully can inspire me to work in small groups in a meaningful way.

The second issue that is concerning me is the increased number of 9th graders who have figured out how to work the system.  They're starting to skip, they're starting to miss a lot of class, and there's nothing we can do about it except give them a failing grade that for most of them doesn't impact them anyway.  I guess that's why my mind and heart is so invested in my dissertation topic. I want to know what makes these kids tick. Most of the research I've read indicates that intrinsic motivation decreases from about 7-11th grade. The biggest decrease occurring in 9th grade, which is followed by their 10th grade year when they legally can drop out.  We have to do something to reach these kids, but right now our hands out tied.  Yet, maybe my research can shed some light and help us make some changes at WHS and beyond,

Lastly, I've finally reached the point in my 5th hour when I've pretty much released control due to scaffolding, and it's awesome. I let them roll with what I give them and they are nailing it.  It's pretty sweet. 1st and 3rd are nowhere near that, but that's OK, because they've come a long way. It's all about progress.

Happy Friday