[etni] Re: Logs, tests and everything inbetween

From: Ariella Kopels <mckopels@xxxxxxxxx>
To: "etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2013 14:51:21 -0700 (PDT)
I
would like to respond to some of the comments concerning the logs. I am
completing my second class for the log, and have another class that I decided
to prepare for the test. I respect the fact that a teacher may think that the
log is the best choice for his class, and I would expect the same respect to
make my own decision. After my class sits for the exam next year, I may decide
that the log is indeed the better option; but I want the opportunity to make
the choice.
If
you have never been pressured about a grade, whether it be by a student,
parent, homeroom teacher or administrator â consider yourself blessed; not all
of us are that lucky. I started working on the new literature program before it
became mandatory, the year that the inspectorate changed its mind, and had
quite a bit of difficulty with the students and staff. Â A few students and 
their parents tried to go
behind my back to take the old F exam, when these children had thought the log
was a joke; and they almost succeeded in getting their way until I threatened
to quit. Fortunately this year that is not an option, but I have been pressured
by the homeroom teachers to let some of the kids make up the work from last
year, and simply refuse to understand why my answer is no. The students who
have worked will get good grades, the students who haven't won't, and the
spread is very similar to what has been posted on this list.
I
still have my reservations about this program, whether the choice is log or
test. It is not because I am against teaching literature; on the contrary â I 
strongly
believe that a well rounded person should be familiar with literary works. On
paper, the program should work; unfortunately there is a vast difference
between how I should be teaching and the actual conditions in my school. I am
teaching two 5 point classes, I should have 5 hours a week, I have 4. I should
have no more than one double lesson a week, I have 2. Last year 50% of my first
term 12th grade classes were canceled for other activities; this
year there was a slight improvement â only 45% of the first term classes were
turned over to some other "educational" purpose. I do not get that
time back. I have lost sleep worrying about how I am going to finish on time.
Every year our 11th graders leave school for a 5 week special
program in the middle of the school year. Again, it is my problem to make
things work.
This
afternoon as I was going over the instructions for handing in the final
completed log, one of my students said that he feels that three years of
English have been wasted on this program and he does not feel that doing the 
logs
have prepared him for using English in the real world. Several other students
jumped on the bandwagon and complained about the program. True most of the kids
who complained were the ones who have not been working, but the first boy is a
serious student who has made great efforts to complete all of the requirements.
I suggested to all of my students that they write to the Inspectorate and to
politely give feedback about the logs.
I
realize that my comments are very ego-centric and that other teachers have had
different experiences, and I am very happy for them. I just wish I had other
options. â Ariella Kopels
Â 

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[etni] Re: Logs, tests and everything inbetween

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