craftymom101
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,776
Jul 31, 2014 5:23:25 GMT
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Post by craftymom101 on May 22, 2019 1:16:08 GMT
I am a substitute teacher (until I find my first professional job) and today I subbed for a high school Algebra class.
School is out next Thursday so including today, students had 7 full days of school left.
This is a lower end math class and a lot of kids struggle. They took their EOC last week and since then have been... coloring, doing binder checks, watching movies, and doing anything but math. Their test was last Wednesday so almost two full weeks of no math being taught. In a math class.
The students talked about their other classes and some teacher opt not to give finals so the kids have been watching movies for days. I was shocked! Two weeks is a lot of instruction time to be wasted on movies and coloring, right? I’m not sure what I’m looking for here other than to say... I wish these teachers were still teaching. I wish finals were mandatory so students had to be engaged until the very end. So many of these kids didn’t understand basic math concepts and could use the extra practice, even if the EOC is over.
I’m not bashing teachers and I respect teachers immensely; I’m sure this is a weird anomaly! I was just surprised to hear so many kids spend 7 hours a day coloring and watching movies for the next week and a half.
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Post by mom on May 22, 2019 1:38:01 GMT
Honestly? I am not surprised. By the end of the year everyone is just done. I know my son was pushed hard before his AP tests and since they had gone hard all year long, they have been doing fun stuff in class now the the AP tests are over.
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Post by littlemama on May 22, 2019 1:38:03 GMT
EOC...?
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Post by leannec on May 22, 2019 1:38:28 GMT
I'm a substitute teacher (by choice because I really like it) as well ... we go right until the end of June here but the students are getting restless already ... I was definitely teaching a lesson today and those who were interested seemed to get something out of it ... those who were not, did not I used to have my own classroom and we certainly did our best to keep learning happening even in the final weeks ... I can't imagine many principals here being happy with a teacher just showing videos for two weeks
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craftymom101
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,776
Jul 31, 2014 5:23:25 GMT
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Post by craftymom101 on May 22, 2019 1:41:10 GMT
I believe it’s an acronym for End of Course. They are required state exams for specific courses (civics, math, English). My 7th grader had one EOC this year (civics) and two FSAs (math, English). Plus 5 finals (Latin, math, science, English, and civics). He will be busy until next Wednesday. Thursday, the last day of school, will be his only “fun” day.
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Post by 950nancy on May 22, 2019 1:49:01 GMT
We weren't allowed to show movies like that. No, you don't have to test new material, but if you have 7 days left and class time, teach. You can still instruct. The days are so much longer when you aren't teaching. Our last week was two full days and two half days. We had field day, assemblies, a staff vs students kickball game and the rest of the time the kids still learned. I taught a novel the last two weeks of class. We also did fun math games and practiced keyboarding (they needed it).
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peasquared
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,681
Jul 6, 2014 23:59:59 GMT
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Post by peasquared on May 22, 2019 1:52:16 GMT
I know a few teachers around here, that had to have grades in 2 weeks before the last day of school. Perhaps that plays into it?
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craftymom101
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,776
Jul 31, 2014 5:23:25 GMT
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Post by craftymom101 on May 22, 2019 1:52:34 GMT
We weren't allowed to show movies like that. No, you don't have to test new material, but if you have 7 days left and class time, teach. You can still instruct. The days are so much longer when you aren't teaching. Our last week was two full days and two half days. We had field day, assemblies, a staff vs students kickball game and the rest of the time the kids still learned. I taught a novel the last two weeks of class. We also did fun math games and practiced keyboarding (they needed it). I agree. As a sub the days are so long when I’m basically a glorified babysitter. Last week I subbed in a medical prep type class and the teacher didn’t leave plans. When the front office called her she said she didn’t leave plans because the students already took their state exams so they aren’t doing anything. Nothing! We looked at the students’ yearbook and talked all day. Sigh. Not what I should be doing as a sub.
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Kerri W
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,790
Location: Kentucky
Jun 25, 2014 20:31:44 GMT
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Subbing
May 22, 2019 1:53:49 GMT
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Post by Kerri W on May 22, 2019 1:53:49 GMT
Not out of the norm in my experience with my kids. Once state testing is done, they do review for final exam if there is one (DS does not have to take any this year due to his grade in the class) and basically meander through the final two weeks of school. I think they turned in their chrome books ten days before school was out. Honestly, it’s not something I get worked up over. There’s a lot of other stuff going on the last two weeks of school.
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Post by birdy on May 22, 2019 1:58:57 GMT
I stopped teaching full time (3rd grade) when I had kids. I've been subbing by choice for about 8 years now (since youngest started school). When I taught full time, we taught up until the last 2 days. 2nd to last was usually clean out your desk and take stuff home and help clean up the classroom. Last day was some sort of activity (picnic and games, movie, etc). However, I tended to do more of a project type lesson that last regular week into the few days before the last 2 days. SOmething fun, engaging but still learning. One year they planned a summer vacation. Researched destinations and made travel brochures. Stuff to incorporate reading, writing and math. Now that I sub, I try not to work the last week or two... they're just too wound up. That's the beauty of my job... I can work when I want to! I can't imagine just having coloring and movies for two weeks... yikes!
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Subbing
May 22, 2019 2:01:12 GMT
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Post by freecharlie on May 22, 2019 2:01:12 GMT
I know a few teachers around here, that had to have grades in 2 weeks before the last day of school. Perhaps that plays into it? what the hell? Why bother to show up then?
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peasquared
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,681
Jul 6, 2014 23:59:59 GMT
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Post by peasquared on May 22, 2019 2:02:28 GMT
I know a few teachers around here, that had to have grades in 2 weeks before the last day of school. Perhaps that plays into it? what the hell? Why bother to show up then? I know, right?!
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craftymom101
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,776
Jul 31, 2014 5:23:25 GMT
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Post by craftymom101 on May 22, 2019 2:02:30 GMT
I stopped teaching full time (3rd grade) when I had kids. I've been subbing by choice for about 8 years now (since youngest started school). When I taught full time, we taught up until the last 2 days. 2nd to last was usually clean out your desk and take stuff home and help clean up the classroom. Last day was some sort of activity (picnic and games, movie, etc). However, I tended to do more of a project type lesson that last regular week into the few days before the last 2 days. SOmething fun, engaging but still learning. One year they planned a summer vacation. Researched destinations and made travel brochures. Stuff to incorporate reading, writing and math. Now that I sub, I try not to work the last week or two... they're just too wound up. That's the beauty of my job... I can work when I want to! I can't imagine just having coloring and movies for two weeks... yikes! And these kids were sophomores in high school! They were so bored. This school had four fights last week alone and I think the kids being too idle has played a part in the increased chaos. It’s not something I’m worked up over, I just wish kids were still engaged in some kind of learning activity so they are less crazy while I’m subbing!
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Post by freecharlie on May 22, 2019 2:05:40 GMT
I'm a high school teacher. We are done tomorrow. All my classes have finals tomorrow. Two have last chance essays due.
Some teachers have presentations or something. Only classes like art, choir or band would be done because they have to do their concert before the seniors leave, but even they may have tests.
My team member is not being hired again next year. She's been showing movies, but she sucks and that is why she isnt coming back
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craftymom101
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,776
Jul 31, 2014 5:23:25 GMT
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Post by craftymom101 on May 22, 2019 2:07:01 GMT
I'm a high school teacher. We are done tomorrow. All my classes have finals tomorrow. Two have last chance essays due. Some teachers have presentations or something. Only classes like art, choir or band would be done because they have to do their concert before the seniors leave, but even they may have tests. My team member is not being hired again next year. She's been showing movies, but she sucks and that is why she isnt coming back Oh wow... finals on the last day of school! Good for you for teaching all year, even at the very end!
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Subbing
May 22, 2019 2:09:21 GMT
via mobile
Post by freecharlie on May 22, 2019 2:09:21 GMT
I'm a high school teacher. We are done tomorrow. All my classes have finals tomorrow. Two have last chance essays due. Some teachers have presentations or something. Only classes like art, choir or band would be done because they have to do their concert before the seniors leave, but even they may have tests. My team member is not being hired again next year. She's been showing movies, but she sucks and that is why she isnt coming back Oh wow... finals on the last day of school! Good for you for teaching all year, even at the very end! my kids' school is the same way. We technically have half a day on Thursday, but the kids hit each class for like 15 minutes just to check out and they are done at noon.
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Post by ~summer~ on May 22, 2019 2:13:30 GMT
Two weeks of movies? that's ridiculous. Our school district has been working non stop preparing for AP tests and finals. Not to mention SAT subject tests and SATs. I think more than 1 day of movies seems like too much.
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Post by 950nancy on May 22, 2019 2:14:09 GMT
I know a few teachers around here, that had to have grades in 2 weeks before the last day of school. Perhaps that plays into it? We had to have our grades in also, but the kids are there to learn whether or not you are taking grades. Now I never mention the grades being turned in early so they still work hard.
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Post by 950nancy on May 22, 2019 2:15:38 GMT
Two weeks of movies? that's ridiculous. Our school district has been working non stop preparing for AP tests and finals. Not to mention SAT subject tests and SATs. I think more than 1 day of movies seems like too much.The kids hate it too. Almost every teacher in junior high shows something the last day or so and the kids get so bored form 6 hours of movies. I can't imagine a week or two of it.
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Post by ~summer~ on May 22, 2019 2:22:09 GMT
Two weeks of movies? that's ridiculous. Our school district has been working non stop preparing for AP tests and finals. Not to mention SAT subject tests and SATs. I think more than 1 day of movies seems like too much.The kids hate it too. Almost every teacher in junior high shows something the last day or so and the kids get so bored form 6 hours of movies. I can't imagine a week or two of it. I also do remember sometimes there was 1 day in highschool where we watched movies. I always thought it was kind of weird. More than 1 day would be odd I think. I don't think they show any movies for fun in my kids' school district, that just wouldn't fly with the parents....
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Subbing
May 22, 2019 2:25:46 GMT
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Post by freecharlie on May 22, 2019 2:25:46 GMT
I know a few teachers around here, that had to have grades in 2 weeks before the last day of school. Perhaps that plays into it? We had to have our grades in also, but the kids are there to learn whether or not you are taking grades. Now I never mention the grades being turned in early so they still work hard. I don't get it. My grades are due Thursday at 4. Some years we get one more day. We don't do AP anymore and instead do concurrent enrollment. The college portion of those classes were done two weeks ago with the college, but most are seniors so they only had a couple of days after those grades were due
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Post by stingfan on May 22, 2019 2:45:03 GMT
My high school sophomore has finals right up until the last day of school. I was surprised. I thought they'd have at least one day to close things out.
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Post by MichyM on May 22, 2019 3:06:19 GMT
I'm a substitute teacher (by choice because I really like it) as well ... we go right until the end of June here but the students are getting restless already ... I was definitely teaching a lesson today and those who were interested seemed to get something out of it ... those who were not, did not This is great to hear leannec ! I remember you posted about being terrified of going back to work subbing and wondered how that all worked out. Have your fainting attacks been held at bay as well?
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Post by Legacy Girl on May 22, 2019 3:31:33 GMT
I’m not bashing teachers and I respect teachers immensely; I’m sure this is a weird anomaly! I was just surprised to hear so many kids spend 7 hours a day coloring and watching movies for the next week and a half. This is pretty much standard practice in public schools around here. I've always found it to be ridiculous that learning doesn't really take place after the state testing finishes in the spring. Yes, you've covered all the material for the testing, but once it's over, that's your opportunity to do some hands-on, experiential learning that really makes school fun and memorable for the students. If I were teaching, that's what would be happening in my classroom. After all, most kids have all summer to watch videos and they're bored after five minutes anyway. (Note, OP, I know this is not an option since you're subbing. Just commenting on how I would handle if I were a FT teacher).
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Post by ntsf on May 22, 2019 3:41:32 GMT
I subbed once at a high school. and the teacher had me subbing the last week and supervising the entire final project. those kids were so mad, because they felt the teacher would never grade it, they would not get it back and it was all a waste. the teacher left to go to some school reunion. I was unhappy for the kids.. it sucked.
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craftymom101
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,776
Jul 31, 2014 5:23:25 GMT
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Post by craftymom101 on May 22, 2019 3:42:38 GMT
I subbed once at a high school. and the teacher had me subbing the last week and supervising the entire final project. those kids were so mad, because they felt the teacher would never grade it, they would not get it back and it was all a waste. the teacher left to go to some school reunion. I was unhappy for the kids.. it sucked. Wow. That is awful. Those poor kids! I’m surprised her admin team allowed her to take off the last week of school. I’m busy this week but having nothing booked for next week (the last week of school).
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Subbing
May 22, 2019 4:23:53 GMT
via mobile
Post by freecharlie on May 22, 2019 4:23:53 GMT
I’m not bashing teachers and I respect teachers immensely; I’m sure this is a weird anomaly! I was just surprised to hear so many kids spend 7 hours a day coloring and watching movies for the next week and a half. This is pretty much standard practice in public schools around here. I've always found it to be ridiculous that learning doesn't really take place after the state testing finishes in the spring. Yes, you've covered all the material for the testing, but once it's over, that's your opportunity to do some hands-on, experiential learning that really makes school fun and memorable for the students. If I were teaching, that's what would be happening in my classroom. After all, most kids have all summer to watch videos and they're bored after five minutes anyway. (Note, OP, I know this is not an option since you're subbing. Just commenting on how I would handle if I were a FT teacher). in HS, students only take PSAT or SAT and in one grade a second 3 hour science or social studies test. I would not enjoy not having things to do.
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,798
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on May 22, 2019 4:25:24 GMT
We have to notify 8th grade parents 10 school days before graduation of non grad status. Graduation is May 28. I had to notify parents May 14. We get out May 10. Um, no. I’m still teaching. Kids still have math work and tests and binder checks, we are still doing science projects. Pisses me the hell off! If it comes down to the last 2 weeks to determine grad status, they don’t deserve to graduate. Seriously! No reason to put yourself in that position. My kids know when grades close and do NOTHING and make my life hell. So, I refuse to cut grades early. I’m still teaching until this Friday, grades are still changing.
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Post by kels99 on May 22, 2019 4:26:48 GMT
We go to school until the end of June and DS has 5/6 AP classes. Not sure what they're doing in all of their classes, but I don't think they'll have finals in any of them. I know they're doing Personal Finance in Calc and some sort of movie/literary studies in Research.
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Post by Basket1lady on May 22, 2019 4:39:08 GMT
Two weeks of movies? that's ridiculous. Our school district has been working non stop preparing for AP tests and finals. Not to mention SAT subject tests and SATs. I think more than 1 day of movies seems like too much. For my kids, AP exams played a big part at the end of the year. AP exams are done mid May. If you got a 5 on the last practice test, you got an automatic A in the class. Here, classes go until mid June. So the AP kids really have nothing to do for a month. Sure, they did presentations, reports, mock trials, etc. But if you know you are going to get an A in the class, what is the incentive? And if you are taking AP classes, state testing is a piece of cake. Even if you didn’t get a 5 on the test, if you have an A in the class anyway, you don’t have to take the final. I made my kids go go to class because I know it counts towards funding. But I also scheduled dental cleanings, eye exams, and physicals during that time. We were never really a family that watched movies and school was really boring those last few weeks!
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