It's day one of summer school down, and already I've made some interesting observations. This is my 8th or 9th year of teaching at least one summer session, and some things never change.
No shame. I actually heard prior to one of my classes a student bragging, "Yeah, I didn't pass any of my required classes!'
To which his friend replied, "Yeah, I passed one!"
It just surprises me that some have just become so accustomed to failure. There isn't even any shame in it anymore.
I just wonder what these kids have in store for them. I mean our Casey graduated with honors and struggled to find work down in St. Cloud. What will happen to these kids find without a high school diploma?
On the positive side, I have several who have finally had the light go on. They know there aren't many other places to take advantage of credits and to get things turned around. They usually separate themselves from the pack and go about the assignments and quietly earn their credits. Just wish I had more of them.
3 comments:
Those few students really made it worth it for me last session.
I find it interesting that the kids are complaining on FB about having to go to summer school. Don't they understand why they are there? And how it could have been avoided?
Makes me want to give them a virtual slap -- or virtual knife in the back, as shown on your blog :)
I've seen a set of commonalities over the years here. First, lack of motivation. Many want to receive credit for doing nothing.
Second, lack of accountability. There is little pride or sense of responsibility.
Third, lack of direction. Maybe this comes from home or their peers . . . I don't know. But a majority lack a clear goal. Some can't see past working at McDonalds or Walmart. And that's a damned shame because those jobs are tough to sustain a family on.
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