The results are in.
Today was an okay day. Everything just seemed to click nicely. Yes, I guess that would be the best definition...Everything just seemed to click nicely. There was stress and annoying aggravation, but relatively speaking, the day just seemed to click nicely.
Today, my day ended at about 3:15pm (after the kids were picked up). Even the one boy whose 15 and 16 year old brothers never pick up on time, today picked up their brother on time. Nice. I returned to my room about 3:20pm not exhausted, annoyed or stressed. I had my doctor's appointment at 5:30pm. Today, I felt comfortable with leaving the building at 4:00pm (even though I eventually left about 4:30pm). I was able to wash my chalkboard, up up the "DO Now", Aims, etc... on the board. And I got to clean off my desk. It was a nice feeling.
I arrived at the medical center about 5:03pm. I graded papers while I waited for the doctor. After about a 15 minute wait, I went in a got the results of my tests. Basically, everything was normal. The way the doctor was reading the results, I wasn't sure that he was talking about me. I remember the last visit, I had the feeling I was nearing a major attack. The look of shock at my blood pressure then was making me nervous about leaving the office. Anyway, the results came back normal in everything but blood pressure. Although BP was lower this time. I also asked for a printed copy of my results. I like the idea of having a paper copy of the doctor's report. I will now bore you with details of the results. Feel free to skim or change the channel.
Below are the results of a few of the numerous tests I took. Since I wasn't paying, I asked for all of the tests available. The first number is mine, the numbers within the parenthesis are the normal ranges.
Cholesterol - 162 (norm. 50-199)
HDL (good Cholesterol) - 45 (35-100)
LDL (bad Cholesterol) - 99 (0-99)
Sodium - 141 (133-145)
Blood Urea Nitrogen - 12 (6-22)
Hep. B. - 0.00 (0.00-7.99)
I also took tests for HIV, Hepatitis and Syphilis(all negative). At the time, I did not realize I had taken as many tests as I did. Oh, according the the tests results, I haven't taken a vaccine for Hep. B. The doctor asked me, but I don't know if I did or not. According to the doctor, my results show that I haven't be vaccinated against Hep. B. So, When I have to return in 3 months, I will probably have the vaccine.
Oh, x-ray results:
Chest - Hyperinflation noted. The rest, I didn't understand. The doctor said that there were typos, but nothing worth reporting.
Knees - Beginning of some arthritis behind the kneecaps. And tibial spine spurs around the kneecaps. Again, nothing to worry about. So, the doctor said. I guess I will have to take his word for it.
Well, that is it. I am tired. I want to try finishing grading my students quizzes. Soak in the bath, then call it a night. I know it is a long shot, but maybe I can get a double=dose of nice days.
Well, now I have no excuses. Starting next week, I will start attending the local Y here in Yonkers.
Post Date - Monday, September 24, 2007 8:57pm
Showing posts with label Test Results. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Test Results. Show all posts
Monday, September 24, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
History repeated itself yet again!!! Today, I received my teacher rating. Think of it as a teacher's report card given by Principal's to teachers. A teacher can received one of three grades:
S = Satisfactory
D = Doubtful
U = Unsatisfactory
My rating is - D
I was not happy. The form was blank except for a generic comment in the comment box. The "D" rating was written over a whited-out mistake. I don't pretend that I am perfect, because I am not. I just did not like the situation. At the very least, if I am not satisfactory, it would have been nice to have been told before that moment. Also, up until that moment, most of the vibes I was getting was that I would be satisfactory. I was observed 4 times this year, each of the 3 times AP 1 ended with the, "you have a great teacher speech to the students". In the hallway over the months, there have been several times, AP 1 has commented about how the students had better not be messing with this good teacher. The observations that I've received were always generic strengths with a weakness comment with the strength to balance things out.
I came to get my rating this morning during my preparation period. The secretary puts the papers at the end of her desk. She said this (sheet) is your rating for this year sign here (without even the suggestion that I should look it over). Once she sees that I am looking at the sheet front and back, then she said, "this is the rating that all first year teachers receive". I told her that I wasn't signing it. She said that that was my choice and took the papers. After speaking with a couple of teachers and trying to calm down. I spoke to one of the APs who suggested that I make an appointment to speak to the principal. As I was making the appointment, the secretary asked if I would have the union rep. in the meeting. She told me that she could not make the appointment until she knew if the union rep. would be attending the meeting or not. After letting the secretary know that the union rep. would be attending, she said that she would make the appointment and let me know when the appointment would be. About an half an hour later, the principal called me on the class phone to tell me the reason for the "D" rating was that the students' portfolio were not satisfactory when she last visited last month. Actually, it was two or three months ago that she last checked the portfolios. What is bothering me is that my positives outweigh my negatives (in no particular order):
1. I have near perfect attendance. Two unofficial latenesses(about 5 minutes) that were not recorded.
2. I have never missed a day of work.
3. I have dressed professionally every single day (white button-down shirt, black slacks, and a tie)
4. I have a fairly neat classroom. However, I have an extremely well organized teacher area. On day one, I cleaned out every closet and cabinet (not locked), grouped and organized the materials according their purpose.
5. Hallway bulletin boards always has most (if not all) of my students' work samples, not just a few samples of my top students.
6. I have a well-planned out plan book, color-coded boxes. Each box is usually filled-in even if the activity is repeat from day to day. I don't draw arrows symbolizing repeating activities, I write the activity out. Observed by the AP on 3 or 4 occasions throughout the school year.
7. I have a grade book packed-full of grades to support any grade written on any report card.
8. Students' Standardized test scores. 22 (out of 23) students passed both the Math and the ELA (English Language Arts) New York State Tests. That includes the 5 limited English speaking students, and it also includes the 2 IEP (learning difficulty students receiving "special" services).
9. I've invested over $1500 out of my own pocket this year on materials for my students and my classroom.
10. I've received 4 observations from the APs. Nothing verbal or written expressing doubts about me, my students, my teaching ability, or my classroom management.
11. Since the Math Coach reviewed a few of my students' portfolios, I've been working with my students improving their portfolios.
12. About 1/3 of the school year, I've eaten lunch with my students in the student cafeteria when the school aids complained about my students behavior. More that a few times, I've been the one to wipe down the tables when I arrived to pick up my students, and the tables were a mess, but most of the students had already been allowed to go outside.
13. I got about 12 students to type their personal poems on the classroom computers, the rest did it at home. In total, I had 22 third grade students submit a typed assignment.
Does the above list give doubts about my ability to teach and/or manage my students?
And what was the reason for the principal giving me a "D" rating:
1. The students' portfolios were not satisfactory.
2. I refused to attend in-house professional development even though, I was not required to attend due to being on a first-year teacher's pay scale. I won't even waste a minute explaining most of the "professional development" that has been offered.
Needless to say, this ruined my day. And almost as if on cue, my kids turned super hyper, my name-sign fell off my door, Hyper Screamer forgot to take his medicine, he was out of control.
Another incident that annoyed me.
Hyper Kid 1's mother came to pick him up (about 2:20pm -- yes, school ends at 3:00). Since he wanted the gum that his uncle had given him (I took it this morning after I told him I would if he started chewing it), he kept his mom waiting about 15 minutes in the hallway. I explained to the mom why her son was keeping her waiting, and....
...she continued to wait. I gave the gum to the mom, then Hyper Kid 1's uncle came in the room. HK1's 13 year old uncle! The uncle came in wanting HK to point out who was "bothering him". I told HK to tell his uncle of the kids, he has, kicked, hit, stolen from unprovoked. HK smiles. Uncle smacks him in the back of the head. And mom said nothing.
Earlier, the science teacher stopped by my classroom to drop off some certificates, and read Hyper Kid 1's personal poem on the bulletin board. She commented about the strangeness of a line "I'm afraid of tigers, bugs, and my uncle's darkroom at night". Since his uncle did not live with him, I really didn't think much of the line. The science teacher commented that some that hyper might have some issues that need to be addressed. I been putting off filling out the initial forms for months now. By the end of today, I was feeling like a total loser.
I could write more, but it is late.
Post Date - Wednesday, June 20, 2007 9:06pm
S = Satisfactory
D = Doubtful
U = Unsatisfactory
My rating is - D
I was not happy. The form was blank except for a generic comment in the comment box. The "D" rating was written over a whited-out mistake. I don't pretend that I am perfect, because I am not. I just did not like the situation. At the very least, if I am not satisfactory, it would have been nice to have been told before that moment. Also, up until that moment, most of the vibes I was getting was that I would be satisfactory. I was observed 4 times this year, each of the 3 times AP 1 ended with the, "you have a great teacher speech to the students". In the hallway over the months, there have been several times, AP 1 has commented about how the students had better not be messing with this good teacher. The observations that I've received were always generic strengths with a weakness comment with the strength to balance things out.
I came to get my rating this morning during my preparation period. The secretary puts the papers at the end of her desk. She said this (sheet) is your rating for this year sign here (without even the suggestion that I should look it over). Once she sees that I am looking at the sheet front and back, then she said, "this is the rating that all first year teachers receive". I told her that I wasn't signing it. She said that that was my choice and took the papers. After speaking with a couple of teachers and trying to calm down. I spoke to one of the APs who suggested that I make an appointment to speak to the principal. As I was making the appointment, the secretary asked if I would have the union rep. in the meeting. She told me that she could not make the appointment until she knew if the union rep. would be attending the meeting or not. After letting the secretary know that the union rep. would be attending, she said that she would make the appointment and let me know when the appointment would be. About an half an hour later, the principal called me on the class phone to tell me the reason for the "D" rating was that the students' portfolio were not satisfactory when she last visited last month. Actually, it was two or three months ago that she last checked the portfolios. What is bothering me is that my positives outweigh my negatives (in no particular order):
1. I have near perfect attendance. Two unofficial latenesses(about 5 minutes) that were not recorded.
2. I have never missed a day of work.
3. I have dressed professionally every single day (white button-down shirt, black slacks, and a tie)
4. I have a fairly neat classroom. However, I have an extremely well organized teacher area. On day one, I cleaned out every closet and cabinet (not locked), grouped and organized the materials according their purpose.
5. Hallway bulletin boards always has most (if not all) of my students' work samples, not just a few samples of my top students.
6. I have a well-planned out plan book, color-coded boxes. Each box is usually filled-in even if the activity is repeat from day to day. I don't draw arrows symbolizing repeating activities, I write the activity out. Observed by the AP on 3 or 4 occasions throughout the school year.
7. I have a grade book packed-full of grades to support any grade written on any report card.
8. Students' Standardized test scores. 22 (out of 23) students passed both the Math and the ELA (English Language Arts) New York State Tests. That includes the 5 limited English speaking students, and it also includes the 2 IEP (learning difficulty students receiving "special" services).
9. I've invested over $1500 out of my own pocket this year on materials for my students and my classroom.
10. I've received 4 observations from the APs. Nothing verbal or written expressing doubts about me, my students, my teaching ability, or my classroom management.
11. Since the Math Coach reviewed a few of my students' portfolios, I've been working with my students improving their portfolios.
12. About 1/3 of the school year, I've eaten lunch with my students in the student cafeteria when the school aids complained about my students behavior. More that a few times, I've been the one to wipe down the tables when I arrived to pick up my students, and the tables were a mess, but most of the students had already been allowed to go outside.
13. I got about 12 students to type their personal poems on the classroom computers, the rest did it at home. In total, I had 22 third grade students submit a typed assignment.
Does the above list give doubts about my ability to teach and/or manage my students?
And what was the reason for the principal giving me a "D" rating:
1. The students' portfolios were not satisfactory.
2. I refused to attend in-house professional development even though, I was not required to attend due to being on a first-year teacher's pay scale. I won't even waste a minute explaining most of the "professional development" that has been offered.
Needless to say, this ruined my day. And almost as if on cue, my kids turned super hyper, my name-sign fell off my door, Hyper Screamer forgot to take his medicine, he was out of control.
Another incident that annoyed me.
Hyper Kid 1's mother came to pick him up (about 2:20pm -- yes, school ends at 3:00). Since he wanted the gum that his uncle had given him (I took it this morning after I told him I would if he started chewing it), he kept his mom waiting about 15 minutes in the hallway. I explained to the mom why her son was keeping her waiting, and....
...she continued to wait. I gave the gum to the mom, then Hyper Kid 1's uncle came in the room. HK1's 13 year old uncle! The uncle came in wanting HK to point out who was "bothering him". I told HK to tell his uncle of the kids, he has, kicked, hit, stolen from unprovoked. HK smiles. Uncle smacks him in the back of the head. And mom said nothing.
Earlier, the science teacher stopped by my classroom to drop off some certificates, and read Hyper Kid 1's personal poem on the bulletin board. She commented about the strangeness of a line "I'm afraid of tigers, bugs, and my uncle's darkroom at night". Since his uncle did not live with him, I really didn't think much of the line. The science teacher commented that some that hyper might have some issues that need to be addressed. I been putting off filling out the initial forms for months now. By the end of today, I was feeling like a total loser.
I could write more, but it is late.
Post Date - Wednesday, June 20, 2007 9:06pm
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Test Scores are in. I really don't have much to write about. I have nothing to crow about. I will have to keep this short. I am already starting to yawn as I type this. I just got finished making up 4 cover pages for the Math section of my students portfolios. Each student is required to have a portfolio which is supposed to show...something. I have not exactly figured that out yet. Originally, I was told that the portfolio should reflect the students best work for the term. Then, I was told that the portfolio should have anything and everything the students do throughout the year.
I'm yawning, I better wrap this up quickly.
Yesterday, the teacher's at my school received the results for the New York State ELA (English Language Arts) test. How did my students do? I'm not sure. I've been on a bit of an emotional roller coaster these last two days.
The Grading Standards
4 = Student exceeds grade level
3 = Student is on grade level
2 = Student is approaching grade level
1 = Student is far below grade level
My students? No 4s. 9 students at level 3. 12 students at level 2. And one student at level 1. Nothing to cheer about. 3 and 4 are good grades. How did my students fair with the other 3rd grade classes in school? I was in the middle. One 3rd grade teacher with 18 years experience had 18 students receive level 3, no level 4. And 2 or 3 level 1s. The other 3rd grade teacher (with about 8 years of experience) had lower scores. In fairness to this teacher, her class was originally planned to be a two teacher mixed special ed and mainstream classroom. Somewhere along the line, she ended up teaching solo, with the ocassional help of a para.
I was a bit depressed at my students scores...when taken at face value. However, several teachers have told me that although 2s are not good, the students will most likely be passed earning a 2 on their tests, 1s are the scores to avoid. 1s mean automatic summer school. I was told by other teachers that I should be feeling good about my classes' test scores considering the student population and the "bagage" they bring into the classroom.
As I look back over this school year, there are a lot of things I would have done differently, it is too late to go into details now.
Yesterday, for one reason or another I fell back into old routines. I fell asleep on the couch, then woke up about 3 to do lesson plans, then back to bed about 4am.
Today, I used the test scores to try to focus the students to keep this less hyper. Oh, the "Spainish teacher" took his reading group to the library to watch "Spiderman 3 on DVD".I could type more, but it is getting late...
Until next time,
Oh, before I forget. Before I call it a night, I am going to try to do a homework sheet for next week. Next Monday is a half a day for student (Clerical Afternoon for the teachers). Also, next Thursday, is a full Clerical day for teachers. No students on Thursday!!! Oh, happy, happy, joy, joy. I want to try to get the homework sheet done. Monday will be a half day, and putting in a permission for copies request, will probably not get done if I wait until Monday, June 4th (half day), to make a request for copies.
Post Date - Tuesday, May 30, 2007 11:44pm
I'm yawning, I better wrap this up quickly.
Yesterday, the teacher's at my school received the results for the New York State ELA (English Language Arts) test. How did my students do? I'm not sure. I've been on a bit of an emotional roller coaster these last two days.
The Grading Standards
4 = Student exceeds grade level
3 = Student is on grade level
2 = Student is approaching grade level
1 = Student is far below grade level
My students? No 4s. 9 students at level 3. 12 students at level 2. And one student at level 1. Nothing to cheer about. 3 and 4 are good grades. How did my students fair with the other 3rd grade classes in school? I was in the middle. One 3rd grade teacher with 18 years experience had 18 students receive level 3, no level 4. And 2 or 3 level 1s. The other 3rd grade teacher (with about 8 years of experience) had lower scores. In fairness to this teacher, her class was originally planned to be a two teacher mixed special ed and mainstream classroom. Somewhere along the line, she ended up teaching solo, with the ocassional help of a para.
I was a bit depressed at my students scores...when taken at face value. However, several teachers have told me that although 2s are not good, the students will most likely be passed earning a 2 on their tests, 1s are the scores to avoid. 1s mean automatic summer school. I was told by other teachers that I should be feeling good about my classes' test scores considering the student population and the "bagage" they bring into the classroom.
As I look back over this school year, there are a lot of things I would have done differently, it is too late to go into details now.
Yesterday, for one reason or another I fell back into old routines. I fell asleep on the couch, then woke up about 3 to do lesson plans, then back to bed about 4am.
Today, I used the test scores to try to focus the students to keep this less hyper. Oh, the "Spainish teacher" took his reading group to the library to watch "Spiderman 3 on DVD".I could type more, but it is getting late...
Until next time,
Oh, before I forget. Before I call it a night, I am going to try to do a homework sheet for next week. Next Monday is a half a day for student (Clerical Afternoon for the teachers). Also, next Thursday, is a full Clerical day for teachers. No students on Thursday!!! Oh, happy, happy, joy, joy. I want to try to get the homework sheet done. Monday will be a half day, and putting in a permission for copies request, will probably not get done if I wait until Monday, June 4th (half day), to make a request for copies.
Post Date - Tuesday, May 30, 2007 11:44pm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
