Ending of a Semester

It is the end of January and for most secondary teachers that means a new semester is approaching. Today, I attended professional development to implement changes based on PBA data.

I’m kinda in a panic mode because I have not accomplished my goals with the classes I’m teaching.

(Me on the inside)

Of course with me, I either plan too much or shoot to high. For example, my district has introduced Performance Based Assessments (PBAs). My goal for the semester was to have my students write a response to a PBA with every other unit of study and to have them all graded and feedback provided with a list of interventions in place. That did not occur. I mean I did grade and provide feedback and started to institute interventions in my lessons, but I did not do a PBA with every other unit of study.  It was a lot to take on especially for not having done these before. In October, my district agreed and made changes saying only 1 PBA needed to be completed. I was happy about that BUT I wanted to be an overachiever and do more.

Now it is the end of the semester.

Time for reflection and setting new goals for the Spring.

Why couldn’t I have a PBA completed for every other unit?  It was due to my pacing, my students needed additional practice on particular skills and I fell behind. I was assessing students too much and not working with them.

I forgot to mention that I’m not by myself in the planning. I do work in a team. The World I team is "newish" this year, meaning that I am the only teacher with previous experience. We do not always see “eye to eye” but we do have a common goal to help our students.

My students shown improvement in their writing compared to the beginning of the year and I hope to see a continuation even when they are not given the claim. For second semester the documents students will need to analyze/synthesize from 4 documents to approximately 8 documents AND to create their own claims.

So, my goal for the second semester in regards to PBAs will be to have them practice with 1-2 docs for claim and synthesis at least 2 times a week. Not going to make a long list of goals and feel bogged down. This is a nice attainable goal. Feedback will be given back by the end of each week (depending on the day the classes fall). By practicing with these documents, I hope to continue seeing growth in their PBA results.

Will keep you posted on my progress!

After a Loss...

On December 16, 2018, my father had a heart attack.

It is amazing how people would come together to help me out so that I could be with my folks during this time. It was a different story and a different Administration when I had to be in the hospital for a month of bed rest prior to the birth of my daughter. At that time, I was still expected to complete lesson plans. Well, I took the few days prior to Winter Break and stayed with my family at the hospital. I did not have to worry about getting a lesson plan together or making sure students grades were submitted on time. My department kept checking up on me and so were my AP students (contact through the REMIND APP).

During this time, I was trading with my mom and sis-in-law the night shift, because Mom did not want to leave Dad alone. The break came and I was still with my family at the hospital. Dad did not regain consciousness. Christmas came and we spent it together just like Dad would have wanted.

On December 29, 2018, I was on the night shift spending time with Dad when he passed away. I was playing for him one of his favorite shows “Dr. Who.”

School did not go back into session until January 2, 2019, so I thought I will be alright to return. I was excited in fact to go back because I would see my kiddos again, especially my AP students who have been checking up on me. First this that morning the security guard for the floor came to me and asked “what in the world I was doing back at work?” I wanted some NORMALCY! I needed a routine, I am 👌. Then I saw my students and the water works came. They came to me and gave me hugs, and of course I cried a bit more. 

In my mind I’m now thinking maybe this wasn’t a great idea! But no, I needed to do this. I can’t feel sorry Dad is gone because I believe he isn’t really gone. Anyways, the following day was actually more difficult. My principal and assistant principal came to check up on me. As long as nobody asked if there was anything they could do it will be ok.

My question is how long until I can be in front of my classes and not be so sad. I love teaching and thought this will help me. Next week is a new week. It will take time. I am happy that I told my students what occurred because it showed them I may not been on the mark with grades and feedback  on assignments for a while but I’m still here for you.

I love you Dad!

Dennis D. Dodds 

January 24, 1952-December 29, 2018