Heiress Teaches Hoodlums Day 2

My classes consist of about 30 students each period. Half are English I and half are English 2. How does one teach two levels at the same time? I inherited a curriculum of self-study packets divided up into units. I was instructed to teach one on one with the students as they needed help. It didn't take long to figure out that many of my students couldn't read beyond a 4th or 5th grade level. Further, quite a few of the kids were ADD or suffered from similiar attention disorders. How could we expect these kids to sit quietly for 108 minutes and work??? Kids entering our school were accustomed to mainstream education where all they had to do was show up - they didn't have to work. They were accustomed to failing. They didn't have to participate - classes were big enough so all they had to do was hide, keep quiet and look busy by doing graffiti or writing notes. Their often-overwhelmed teacher would teach the teachables,ignore the problems, and scramble to meet ever-increasing administrative and paperwork requirements. Granted, many of our students knew our school was their last chance, having been kicked out of every other school program; these kids generally make an effort to complete work. But just as many kids come here expecting to zone out, do nothing and fail. Packets weren't working for these students. I spent all my time disciplining and students didn't progress.

I wish to address the discipline code because it's key to our success with students. We are very strict here. Parents/guardians are required to meet with principal and are interviewed about commitment to completing an education. Parents are held accountable as well as the student for regular attendance and serios learning. Parents must come in monthly to meet with all teachers to review their child's work. 4 absences or 4 tardys result in an F in that class. Excuses must be medical with doctor's note or family emergency. Parents cannot call their children out of school on a whim. Classrooms adhere to strict behavior guidelines as well. We have a term here called " being F'd out". Students do not receive multiple chances to behave badly. Rules are made clear and students sign a form that they understand the consequences. If they use profanity, they are "f'd" out; if they wear head coverings, hoods, or have inappropriate messages on their clothing, they are "f'd" out. If their cellphone or other electronic device is visible during class hours, they are "f'd" out. If they are insubordinate or in any way disrupt the learning process, they are "f'd" out. Students may receive a 'referral' for disrupting the learning process as a warning that the next infraction will result in an F. In the case of a referral, the student is immediately removed from the classroom and sent to a room reserved for 'in-house suspension'. The principal will call the student to the office and determine if further disiplinary action is necessary. Students may be suspended for repeat offense. Parents are brought in to discuss goals. Some students are expelled. We are trying to adapt our students' behaviors so they can function in a society with rules and expectations. Discipline is fair, swift and strictly enforced. All teachers play by the same rules. It works.


Over the summer, I constucted a curriculum that broke the