Ready to Kick Some Butt

I am ready for the new school year. I will feel differently when my alarm goes off THAT EARLY on day two, but as of right now while I sit feeling refreshed, I'm ready. I've just read Dennis's email about the high school not making AYP...and our numbers are much lower from last year. That makes me mad. We all work hard and there will be no clear understanding as to why our numbers were higher last year than this. Considering the work and modifications (referencing Hogan's final post) we put in, it makes me angry that we dropped. After reading the early chapters in this book about Americans resting and not competiting and getting into a funk where we just assumed we would stay on top opened my eyes to this happening in my own classroom. And it drives me crazy. For example, students who do not work very hard on an assignment, but still expect to get an A. That just can't be. I've looked at the names in my roster and I'm dreaming up all kinds of things for them! Papers every week--with researched evidence. And, yes, the Works Cited paged must be present...and correct. Discourse and speeches every week, if not quick ones every day. And, no, you cannot have your hands in your pockets. That's right, fellow teachers, I'm ready to kick some butt. Though I'll still smile and be nice, my incoming 9th grade students are in for a super great treat!