New Comments from Students

So, today I heard the typical question at this time of the year. Quarter grades were just released. So, the question of the day was "How can I raise my grade?" I am amazed at how often they don't want to hear the answer! I say, "Do all your homework, classwork and do better on quizzes." They say, "No, what can I do now?" Are they thinking that if they click their heels together 3 times and bat their little eyelashes that the grade will magically change? It takes more than 5 minutes to make up for 11 weeks of minimal effort.

The other comment/question was, "Why did you put [choose a comment] on my report card?" Could it be because that is a true statement? The sense of entitlement these students show saddens me. I don't like to say "back when I was a kid" because that can be said by just about every generation, and some of the changes are good, some bad. BUT, education needs to change. We need smaller class sizes, more one-on-one work with students, and less "cookie cutter" styles. Not all students learn the same way, and not all ways are effective with students. Even in my own class, I think lecture is not the best method, but based on 33-36 students per class, it is the one method that reaches more students at a time. I would rather have 3 or 4 sitting around a table working together and me coming along side to encourage and reinforce understanding. THAT is the reason I like charter schools and homeschooling.

Most Ridiculous Week

So, starting sometime Sunday October 4, my facebook page went down for "Site Maintenance." It wouldn't allow me back in until sometime Monday October 12. I missed out on my birthday comments on FB and people thought I had "unfriended" them. Sad, I wouldn't drop someone as a friend. If I took the time to accept them once, I wouldn't delete them.

Then, Friday, BHO was named Nobel Laureate. For what, I think we are still trying to determine. For "changing the world-wide culture"? You mean, for letting the rest of the world know that we will just sit back and allow you to attack weaker countries? I am truly afraid for Israel (as well as the rest of the world) because Iran is preparing nuclear warheads. And what does BHO do? Essentially he says "Let's talk this out." He is more willing to talk to Ahmadinejad than any Fox News Anchor.

Finally, I heard today about a 6 year old little boy in Delaware that was suspended for bringing his Cub Scout camping utensil, which is a combination spoon, fork and knife, to school because he was so excited to be a Cub Scout. Turns out he violated the school's Zero Brain, er, sorry, Zero Tolerance Policy on weapons. HE'S SIX! HE WANTED TO EAT HIS LUNCH WITH HIS COOL GEAR! Please.... Here is the whole story if you are so inclined... http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,564605,00.html?test=latestnews

Will post about football games next week.