I've been pondering this for the last couple of days. I was informed a couple of weeks ago that I would be moving to 5th grade. Flashforward to this past week, FCAT scores come out and they are to say the least bad. Principal calls for mandatory staff meeting. It basically was a this is bad, I have not done my job right, next year will be vastly different, I'm not done moving people. I need strong people in testing grades. Next day, people are getting called in left and right. I get told that I'm now moving to 2nd grade. I really don't know how to feel about it. I'm actually really happy about it. How would you feel about it?
I would take it to mean that the principal's butt is on the line, and he/she is worried about it. He/she wants the strongest "testing" teachers he/she has to be in the testing grades for next year, because another bad score year might be the end for the principal. In the end, their jobs are in just as much jeopardy as anyone else's. If I were you, I'd see this as a good move -- less stress and more academic freedom.
Well, from the information on your post, it says you are from a self contained special ed classroom, right? So I would take it that the principal is feeling pressured to put teachers that have proven to be good for test scores in the grades where the tests are taken. I wouldn't take it that he doesn't trust you to teach well enough to get good test scores-just that he hasn't seen you teach enough to be sure so he's going to go with the teachers who have had the opportunity to show more evidence of their ability. I would also be very happy that the testing pressure is off!
I would be hurt...to be perfectly honest. The principal doesn't feel you can achieve the results he needs in fifth grade. Or at least feels someone else is more likely to get those results. However, despite it hurting my feelings, I would probably be able to think through it and understand that I most certainly have strengths, just perhaps not exactly where it's needed.
I agree with Just me..I would be hurt at first. I would start to second guess myself, my effectiveness, etc. Then, after a good cry, I would jump for joy that I am in a non testing grade!!!!
Here in California, 2nd grade is a testing grade. Consider yourself fortunate, MATgrad! P.S. Second grade is awesome! It's definitely my favorite grade!
I agree with Queenie, although my first reactions would probably be hurt feelings & wanting to know specifically what the P was referring to, his/her confidence or lack of, in my teaching ability, or what. However, if Queenie is right, then after calming down & thinking things through it would make sense. I would say too to go the P & ask, hopefully they're someone you can really talk to. No testing, less stress at least in that area & you can actually do more "fun" hands-on teaching...have fun & enjoy it!
Assuming you're still in self-contained like your post info says, I wouldn't think much of it. Unless it's different where you are...students in our self-contained classes are severely disabled and wouldn't ever be expected to pass the tests. I know that sounds kind of mean when you type it out, but we're talking high schoolers on a pre-k or K level, and in younger classes doing functional things like dressing, hygiene, eating, etc. Many of them are on alternate assessment, those that they can't get on AA (simply b/c there isn't enough room) do have to sit for the test, but obviously when they're not even doing the regular curriculum there's no pressure for them to pass. Even for my mild-mod kids who are at least doing the gen ed curriculum, less than half pass and I've been told that's actually quite good for sped. I've never heard of a kid in a severe needs class passing. I wouldn't think the testing grades comment had anything to do with you and you probably just got lost in the shuffle when they were moving everyone else around. Personally, I would be thrilled to have 2nd over 5th! In my previous position I had k-5, but 5th graders only spent about an hour a day with me, and I can absolutely say I'm happy I didn't have an entire day with just them! I really prefer the 1st-3rd age range.
The same thing happened in my school. I'm getting moved to 3rd grade, still a testing grade, but easier. And my principal had the same line about "strong teachers" in the 4th grade. I'm deeply offended though because my test scores were as good as they possibly could have been. The kids who failed in my class were IEP kids with modified criteria who wouldn't have passed the test if they had 1-on-1 tutoring all year. So I'm not sure how I came across as "not strong". If I were you I'd try to just be positive though and look at the bright side of being out of a testing grade and not having that added stress. Me, I feel like at this point I know testing so well I don't want to move. But that's just me. I hate change. lol
I would be happy with the move, You will prepare students for testing next school year. You know what the students need to learn and you can make sure your students get what they need to succeed.
Thanks everyone. I was actually a little hurt at first but in reality I would much rather be with 2nd grade. It's my dream grade
