1. RENUMBERING ADVISORY/CLASSES :-0
2. DONE, BUT NOT DONE!
===1. RENUMBERING ADVISORY/CLASSES===
So, I am here at work debating with myself about renumbering advisory. I wish we would have renumbered them before I started to input students. Because students are now in classes, SIS won't let me take them out without removing them first and them putting them back in. With all the things, I need to do, I wonder if this is even worth it. It's not hard, it just take forever to do. I would like to see friends and family at some point. I also would like to start calling colleges to come send a representative to our school. When do I also focus on the things that need to be done with the seniors. :-(
===2. DONE, BUT NOT DONE===
I just finished the Seniors. I have to go back and balance numbers tomorrow however.
I also finished the ELLs. I tried my very best to cohort them but because they are all over the place in terms of their Math classes, it was very difficult to cohort. As expected, they unbalanced the numbers in classes. I wish that we would have figured out the EL situation sooner so that I would have built a Master Schedule with them in mind.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
MATRIX JOURNAL: They turned the alarm on me. :-O
1. THEY TURNED THE ALARM ON ME
2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT UNSUCCESSFUL
3. NEXT STEPS
4. HELP WANTED
===1. THEY TURNED THE ALARM ON ME===
I guess the custodians didn't know I was here working until I hear them make an announcement they were turning on the alarm. I kept walky-talking them saying to wait and I was packing up they didn't answer so I hauled my ass out of the building.
===2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT UNSUCCESSFUL===
So even after moving around classes, the 10th classes are near to impossible to balance. I was able to finish most of it but the balancing needs work. I moved Geometry, Korean and Spanish everywhere and once two sections would be balanced, the other sections would be unbalanced. And when you move something else, another thing becomes unbalanced. It isn't like like 6-9th where the only difference is an elective. There is way too many pairing of classes, Algebra 1A-Spanish 1, then Algebra 1B1- Spanish 1A, then Geometry-Korean... It's really badly. At one point, everyone ended up in a 75 person PE class. I was able to balance that down to 50 by moving a Geometry but it's been really hard. I will look at it again to see the best way, but my attentions will now turn to the 11th & 12th graders.
===3. NEXT STEPS===
I will now turn my attention to 11th and 12th grade.
I will go back to 10th where I can do some balancing .
===4. HELP WANTED===
I will need help in the following so I can focus on scheduling.
- Printing of schedules
- Printing change of schedule forms
- Printing of rosters
- Inputting advisories into SIS
Thank you.
2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT UNSUCCESSFUL
3. NEXT STEPS
4. HELP WANTED
===1. THEY TURNED THE ALARM ON ME===
I guess the custodians didn't know I was here working until I hear them make an announcement they were turning on the alarm. I kept walky-talking them saying to wait and I was packing up they didn't answer so I hauled my ass out of the building.
===2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT UNSUCCESSFUL===
So even after moving around classes, the 10th classes are near to impossible to balance. I was able to finish most of it but the balancing needs work. I moved Geometry, Korean and Spanish everywhere and once two sections would be balanced, the other sections would be unbalanced. And when you move something else, another thing becomes unbalanced. It isn't like like 6-9th where the only difference is an elective. There is way too many pairing of classes, Algebra 1A-Spanish 1, then Algebra 1B1- Spanish 1A, then Geometry-Korean... It's really badly. At one point, everyone ended up in a 75 person PE class. I was able to balance that down to 50 by moving a Geometry but it's been really hard. I will look at it again to see the best way, but my attentions will now turn to the 11th & 12th graders.
===3. NEXT STEPS===
I will now turn my attention to 11th and 12th grade.
I will go back to 10th where I can do some balancing .
===4. HELP WANTED===
I will need help in the following so I can focus on scheduling.
- Printing of schedules
- Printing change of schedule forms
- Printing of rosters
- Inputting advisories into SIS
Thank you.
Friday, August 26, 2011
MATRIX JOURNAL: Reboot 10th grade
1. SCARY CAMPUS AT NIGHT
2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT
===1. SCARY CAMPUS AT NIGHT===
It's about 8:32 and I just walked out of our very scary hallway. The lights kept flickering on and off. What the heck was I thinking staying this late? Aaaaahhhh.
===2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT===
I almost got through the 10th grade. When I got through it, there was so much imbalance because of the Math and Foreign language. They made it so that the numbers for English, PE, World History and Bio were extremely out of balance. So, I moved Korean, Spanish, and Geometry around to see how that'll help but it didn't solve anything. So, I took all the 10th graders our and is starting over tomorrow. If it still is not working out, please help! I have to get to the 11tth graders and 12th graders eventually. I really wish we had Columbia Scheduler. Uuuuggghhh!
Oh goodie, I'm the last car here. At least the lights are on in the parking lot.
2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT
===1. SCARY CAMPUS AT NIGHT===
It's about 8:32 and I just walked out of our very scary hallway. The lights kept flickering on and off. What the heck was I thinking staying this late? Aaaaahhhh.
===2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT===
I almost got through the 10th grade. When I got through it, there was so much imbalance because of the Math and Foreign language. They made it so that the numbers for English, PE, World History and Bio were extremely out of balance. So, I moved Korean, Spanish, and Geometry around to see how that'll help but it didn't solve anything. So, I took all the 10th graders our and is starting over tomorrow. If it still is not working out, please help! I have to get to the 11tth graders and 12th graders eventually. I really wish we had Columbia Scheduler. Uuuuggghhh!
Oh goodie, I'm the last car here. At least the lights are on in the parking lot.
Monday, August 22, 2011
MATRIX JOURNAL: Scheduling underway.
Hello everyone!
1. SCHEDULING HAS REACHED 10TH GRADE
2. SIXTH GRADE DATABASE NOW IN SIS
3. ISIS IS INCOMPLETE
4. HELP WANTED: ADVISORY CREATION
5. PBL WORKSHOP SUMMARY
6. PBL WEBPAGE ON NOWACADEMY.NET
7. PBL PROJECT SHOWCASE TOMORROW
8. MATH, WE MISSED YOU
===1. SCHEDULING HAS REACHED 10TH GRADE===
I have now completely scheduled grades 7, 8, and 9. I scheduled the 10th graders in their Foreign Language or SPED courses and that will unfortunately be one of the ones that will dictate their schedule. The other one is their Math course.
I will continue in scheduling students throughout the week. I will probably opt out of one of the PDs in order to continue scheduling.
===2. SIXTH GRADE DATABASE NOW IN SIS===
Lucy and Phyllis have confirmed that the sixth graders from NOW Academy are in SIS. I can now begin to schedule them. But they should be an easy group to schedule.
===3. ISIS IS INCOMPLETE===
Edwin alerted me that students are now showing up on ISIS. Please note that ISIS is incomplete as I am currently scheduling. It updates everyday.
===4. HELP WANTED: ADVISORY CREATION===
Amy has helped me split up last year's 6th graders, 7th graders and 8th graders into advisories. I need help in splitting up last year's 9th, 10th, and 11th graders into the Junior Institute Advisories (9th/10th) and Senior Institute Advisories (11th/12th). You guys know the students best and I would like your input in making sure that even and balanced advisories are created.
Why are we changing advisories you may ask? As you know, last year, we were an incomplete school with no 12th graders. We now have 12th graders. I also did not know any of these students and let SIS's random course generator create the advisories.
This year, we can be deliberate. We can create advisory group that are balanced, not only in gender but in ethnicity, skill level and maturity.
===5. PBL WORKSHOP SUMMARY===
The Project Based Learning Workshop was received well today and most found the activity in the morning helpful and the time generating curriculum maps helpful.
I am glad that people found the gallery sort helpful. The gallery sort can be done in many ways and I actually learned it from the Urban Academy of New York which is a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools. Thank you Amy for helping me run the workshop today.
===6. PBL WEBPAGE ON NOWACADEMY.NET===
Please note the "all-new, all-different" PBL Webpage on www.nowacademy.net. You will find it under Policies >> under Project-Based Learning.
You will find many tools on there, including the Curriculum Map Word Document, Videos, Links to examples of curriculum maps, links to BIE and Educare, our Habits of Heart and Mind Rubrics, etc.
===7. PBL PROJECT SHOWCASE TOMORROW===
As an outcome to the two days of work, we are showcasing 1 unit from our curriculum maps. We are sharing our essential (driving/guiding) questions, skills/Habits, assessments, and projects along with it.
===8. MATH, WE MISSED YOU===
To our Math peeps, we missed you. We printed out curriculum maps, etc. for you all so that you can use it in how you form your curriculum's projects, etc. I gave all the examples of curriculum maps form the School of the Future to Velia Valle.
We missed you. We have all began to collaborate amongst ourselves and began planning interdisciplinary projects. I hope that somewhere down the line, we will be able to converge and plan with you all.
1. SCHEDULING HAS REACHED 10TH GRADE
2. SIXTH GRADE DATABASE NOW IN SIS
3. ISIS IS INCOMPLETE
4. HELP WANTED: ADVISORY CREATION
5. PBL WORKSHOP SUMMARY
6. PBL WEBPAGE ON NOWACADEMY.NET
7. PBL PROJECT SHOWCASE TOMORROW
8. MATH, WE MISSED YOU
===1. SCHEDULING HAS REACHED 10TH GRADE===
I have now completely scheduled grades 7, 8, and 9. I scheduled the 10th graders in their Foreign Language or SPED courses and that will unfortunately be one of the ones that will dictate their schedule. The other one is their Math course.
I will continue in scheduling students throughout the week. I will probably opt out of one of the PDs in order to continue scheduling.
===2. SIXTH GRADE DATABASE NOW IN SIS===
Lucy and Phyllis have confirmed that the sixth graders from NOW Academy are in SIS. I can now begin to schedule them. But they should be an easy group to schedule.
===3. ISIS IS INCOMPLETE===
Edwin alerted me that students are now showing up on ISIS. Please note that ISIS is incomplete as I am currently scheduling. It updates everyday.
===4. HELP WANTED: ADVISORY CREATION===
Amy has helped me split up last year's 6th graders, 7th graders and 8th graders into advisories. I need help in splitting up last year's 9th, 10th, and 11th graders into the Junior Institute Advisories (9th/10th) and Senior Institute Advisories (11th/12th). You guys know the students best and I would like your input in making sure that even and balanced advisories are created.
Why are we changing advisories you may ask? As you know, last year, we were an incomplete school with no 12th graders. We now have 12th graders. I also did not know any of these students and let SIS's random course generator create the advisories.
This year, we can be deliberate. We can create advisory group that are balanced, not only in gender but in ethnicity, skill level and maturity.
===5. PBL WORKSHOP SUMMARY===
The Project Based Learning Workshop was received well today and most found the activity in the morning helpful and the time generating curriculum maps helpful.
I am glad that people found the gallery sort helpful. The gallery sort can be done in many ways and I actually learned it from the Urban Academy of New York which is a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools. Thank you Amy for helping me run the workshop today.
===6. PBL WEBPAGE ON NOWACADEMY.NET===
Please note the "all-new, all-different" PBL Webpage on www.nowacademy.net. You will find it under Policies >> under Project-Based Learning.
You will find many tools on there, including the Curriculum Map Word Document, Videos, Links to examples of curriculum maps, links to BIE and Educare, our Habits of Heart and Mind Rubrics, etc.
===7. PBL PROJECT SHOWCASE TOMORROW===
As an outcome to the two days of work, we are showcasing 1 unit from our curriculum maps. We are sharing our essential (driving/guiding) questions, skills/Habits, assessments, and projects along with it.
===8. MATH, WE MISSED YOU===
To our Math peeps, we missed you. We printed out curriculum maps, etc. for you all so that you can use it in how you form your curriculum's projects, etc. I gave all the examples of curriculum maps form the School of the Future to Velia Valle.
We missed you. We have all began to collaborate amongst ourselves and began planning interdisciplinary projects. I hope that somewhere down the line, we will be able to converge and plan with you all.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
MATRIX JOURNAL: Bubble, bubble, toil but no trouble...
Hello!!! Here are some great update:
1) Master Schedule Mastered
2) New Student Orientation
3) Senior's Day
4) 7th & 8th Grade - Done Scheduling
5) Thank yous
6) See on Monday!!!
===1) Master Schedule Mastered===
With the help of Victoria Vickers, we we're able to check the Master Schedule and make significant corrections, revisions, and checking. Our goal in our job was really twofold: making sure student needs were being met and to honor as much of teachers needs as possible. As you know from my previous journal, it was impossible for the 7th grade teachers to teach 8th grade based on the needs of the students. Only 9th, 10th and 6th were able to get a primarily complete grade set because of the population numbers.
Nick visited today and lent a hand. Vicki, Nick and I were able to zoom through checking that all teachers have periods 1 through 7, days on the right periods, and a boat load of other tedious administrative SIS necessities. Thank you Nick and Vicki!
===2. New Student Orientation===
A New Student Orientation has been scheduled for Saturday, August 27th. This is a great opportunity for us to welcome our 9th and 6th graders to our NOW family.
===3. Senior's Day===
We will be hosting a Senior's Day on September 1, 2011 to talk about tthe upcoming year, deadlines, service learning, portfolios and all that good stuff.
===4. 7th & 8th Grade - Done Scheduling===
I finished the 7th and 8th grade scheduling today. Finished all core easily because of the way that PE and Elective no longer affect the core classes. And The numbers were evenly balanced through out. Even numbers. Oh, and they are completely cohorted, so English-Social Studies can do a humanities program if they like and they team teach. Math-Science can do some great cross-curricular projects.
Tomorrow, I will finish 9th which should turn out similar to 7&8th grade.
And yes! We found our other Social Justice 9 teacher. I'm not sure if I can divulge just yet but thank you!
===4. Thank Yous===
As some of you know, it has not been a restful or easy summer for me. However, it could have been a lot worst. I have been able to see the goodness in people and people have come through as friends. In my Buddhist practice, struggles are meant for me to show my Buddha-nature. Come what may, I am determined to turn this poison (LAUSD RIF) into medicine. I am optimistic that the RIF will eventually be rescinded but I will be wiser in the year to come.
Thank yous to these individuals:
- Nick: thank you for the help in the beginning of summer and today
- Vicki: Just when I was starting to loose it, you came through
- Maricar & Kimberly: Thank you providing a welcoming ear when I was having my days of dark clouds over my head.
- Yolanda & Xavier: Thank you for letting me come and work with the 8th graders during Bridge. I hope that they found it fruitful.
- Chuck: Thank you for inviting me to come guest lecture at UCLA. It will definitely go into my resume as a highlight. I could actually get used to that. Why don't I have an administrative credential? And thank for letting me sit in with Jeanne Faucci. I have used her materials since the June Jordan days and it was great finally meeting her in person.
- Brenda: Not sure what, but thank you! I'm not sure what but thank for a lot of things. I hope that you are finding The Buddha in Your Mirror enlightening.
- Sonia: Thank for the help in finding the mysterious missing 6th graders.
===6. See You Monday!!!===
I'll see you all on Monday for PD. Back is still sore but spirits are high.
1) Master Schedule Mastered
2) New Student Orientation
3) Senior's Day
4) 7th & 8th Grade - Done Scheduling
5) Thank yous
6) See on Monday!!!
===1) Master Schedule Mastered===
With the help of Victoria Vickers, we we're able to check the Master Schedule and make significant corrections, revisions, and checking. Our goal in our job was really twofold: making sure student needs were being met and to honor as much of teachers needs as possible. As you know from my previous journal, it was impossible for the 7th grade teachers to teach 8th grade based on the needs of the students. Only 9th, 10th and 6th were able to get a primarily complete grade set because of the population numbers.
Nick visited today and lent a hand. Vicki, Nick and I were able to zoom through checking that all teachers have periods 1 through 7, days on the right periods, and a boat load of other tedious administrative SIS necessities. Thank you Nick and Vicki!
===2. New Student Orientation===
A New Student Orientation has been scheduled for Saturday, August 27th. This is a great opportunity for us to welcome our 9th and 6th graders to our NOW family.
===3. Senior's Day===
We will be hosting a Senior's Day on September 1, 2011 to talk about tthe upcoming year, deadlines, service learning, portfolios and all that good stuff.
===4. 7th & 8th Grade - Done Scheduling===
I finished the 7th and 8th grade scheduling today. Finished all core easily because of the way that PE and Elective no longer affect the core classes. And The numbers were evenly balanced through out. Even numbers. Oh, and they are completely cohorted, so English-Social Studies can do a humanities program if they like and they team teach. Math-Science can do some great cross-curricular projects.
Tomorrow, I will finish 9th which should turn out similar to 7&8th grade.
And yes! We found our other Social Justice 9 teacher. I'm not sure if I can divulge just yet but thank you!
===4. Thank Yous===
As some of you know, it has not been a restful or easy summer for me. However, it could have been a lot worst. I have been able to see the goodness in people and people have come through as friends. In my Buddhist practice, struggles are meant for me to show my Buddha-nature. Come what may, I am determined to turn this poison (LAUSD RIF) into medicine. I am optimistic that the RIF will eventually be rescinded but I will be wiser in the year to come.
Thank yous to these individuals:
- Nick: thank you for the help in the beginning of summer and today
- Vicki: Just when I was starting to loose it, you came through
- Maricar & Kimberly: Thank you providing a welcoming ear when I was having my days of dark clouds over my head.
- Yolanda & Xavier: Thank you for letting me come and work with the 8th graders during Bridge. I hope that they found it fruitful.
- Chuck: Thank you for inviting me to come guest lecture at UCLA. It will definitely go into my resume as a highlight. I could actually get used to that. Why don't I have an administrative credential? And thank for letting me sit in with Jeanne Faucci. I have used her materials since the June Jordan days and it was great finally meeting her in person.
- Brenda: Not sure what, but thank you! I'm not sure what but thank for a lot of things. I hope that you are finding The Buddha in Your Mirror enlightening.
- Sonia: Thank for the help in finding the mysterious missing 6th graders.
===6. See You Monday!!!===
I'll see you all on Monday for PD. Back is still sore but spirits are high.
Monday, August 15, 2011
MATRIX JOURNAL: Day off failed...
As I was reading the feedback on the Tentative Matrix I sent out, I began to have anxiety about it and so I recruited the wonderful Ms. Vickers and went to work on my day off today.
1. CHECKING THE REVISED MATRIX
2. UCOP COURSE LIST UPDATE
3. SCHEDULING STUDENTS
4. LAUSD COUNSELING TALENT POOL :-(
5. RIF ACHES AND PAINS
===1. CHECKING THE REVISED MATRIX===
Vicki and I checked every grade level today and Grades 6 through 9 are really just perfect. They have a wonderful flow about them. And the criticism that everyone had about PE and the electives controlling the Master Schedule is not there.
Where Vickers and I saw "diceyness" in 10th grade is with Math and with Foreign Language. Because the 10th grades are all over the map in the Math Level they are in: Algebra 1A, Algebra 1B1, Geometry and Algebra 2A. Coupled with all the levels of Spanish and Korean, 10th grade can't be helped in that there may not be as much mobility in there. Basically, for 10th grade, Foreign Language and Math dictates where students get placed.
11th grade is similar, but now you throw in a myriad of electives in there.
12th grade is actually fine in that their core-classes Principles of American Democracy and English is in the morning. Since all HS VPA Electives, Upper Level Math, Upper Level Foreign Language, Upper Level Science, and Upper Level English Elective are after nutrition they will be fine. :-D
I'm awaiting a few things from DR. Flores and then we should a final Master Schedule.
===2. UCOP COURSE LIST UPDATE===
We have not been added to the UCOP Doorways website just yet even we have sent all proper documentation. I did however send our UCOP Course List to Michelle Hernandez, who will input it for our school.
===3. SCHEDULING STUDENTS===
Vicki and I will go in tomorrow, yes on our days off, and input them into SIS. Once we get the master schedule into SIS, we are ready to plug students in on Wednesday when we come back.
===4. LAUSD COUNSELING TALENT POOL :-(===
So, after meeting with Vicki, I decided to visit my old colleagues at Hamilton. Their two youngest and their best counselors are giving up on LAUSD. One just decided not to take any offers from the school to return in a sub capacity and the other has decided that this year would be her last with LAUSD. Meanwhile, all that they will be left with are the "experienced" counselors who didn't do jack$h!t when I was there. Something has to change when LAUSD's best and brightest are leaving the district. My union UTLA has never really served the interest of counselors and UTLA continues to tell us down and thereby let down students. Even though I don't work at Hamilton anymore, my sister and I graduated from there and I hate to see the school get saddled with bad counselors.
===5. RIF ACHES AND PAINS===
If you are RIF'd and still working for the district as a sub, one if the things you don't count on is getting sick. My back started to hurt again which is probably a return from the back injury I suffered back in December. I tried to make an appointment with Kaiser but I guess I no longer have insurance. Sigh! I wish we had a better healthcare system.
1. CHECKING THE REVISED MATRIX
2. UCOP COURSE LIST UPDATE
3. SCHEDULING STUDENTS
4. LAUSD COUNSELING TALENT POOL :-(
5. RIF ACHES AND PAINS
===1. CHECKING THE REVISED MATRIX===
Vicki and I checked every grade level today and Grades 6 through 9 are really just perfect. They have a wonderful flow about them. And the criticism that everyone had about PE and the electives controlling the Master Schedule is not there.
Where Vickers and I saw "diceyness" in 10th grade is with Math and with Foreign Language. Because the 10th grades are all over the map in the Math Level they are in: Algebra 1A, Algebra 1B1, Geometry and Algebra 2A. Coupled with all the levels of Spanish and Korean, 10th grade can't be helped in that there may not be as much mobility in there. Basically, for 10th grade, Foreign Language and Math dictates where students get placed.
11th grade is similar, but now you throw in a myriad of electives in there.
12th grade is actually fine in that their core-classes Principles of American Democracy and English is in the morning. Since all HS VPA Electives, Upper Level Math, Upper Level Foreign Language, Upper Level Science, and Upper Level English Elective are after nutrition they will be fine. :-D
I'm awaiting a few things from DR. Flores and then we should a final Master Schedule.
===2. UCOP COURSE LIST UPDATE===
We have not been added to the UCOP Doorways website just yet even we have sent all proper documentation. I did however send our UCOP Course List to Michelle Hernandez, who will input it for our school.
===3. SCHEDULING STUDENTS===
Vicki and I will go in tomorrow, yes on our days off, and input them into SIS. Once we get the master schedule into SIS, we are ready to plug students in on Wednesday when we come back.
===4. LAUSD COUNSELING TALENT POOL :-(===
So, after meeting with Vicki, I decided to visit my old colleagues at Hamilton. Their two youngest and their best counselors are giving up on LAUSD. One just decided not to take any offers from the school to return in a sub capacity and the other has decided that this year would be her last with LAUSD. Meanwhile, all that they will be left with are the "experienced" counselors who didn't do jack$h!t when I was there. Something has to change when LAUSD's best and brightest are leaving the district. My union UTLA has never really served the interest of counselors and UTLA continues to tell us down and thereby let down students. Even though I don't work at Hamilton anymore, my sister and I graduated from there and I hate to see the school get saddled with bad counselors.
===5. RIF ACHES AND PAINS===
If you are RIF'd and still working for the district as a sub, one if the things you don't count on is getting sick. My back started to hurt again which is probably a return from the back injury I suffered back in December. I tried to make an appointment with Kaiser but I guess I no longer have insurance. Sigh! I wish we had a better healthcare system.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
MATRIX JOURNAL: Working on the weekend...
Dear friends, colleagues, and co-workers,
Please do not be offended by this journal entry. It truly is just a journal entry and I just want to have as honest disclosure without damning anyone. If it does offend, I apologize in advance and know that I have respect for all of you whether you see me as a friend, a professional colleague or just a co-worker. Here goes a wall of text.
1. THE TENTATIVE MATRIX
2. WAIT, WHY CAN'T A TEACHER TEACH 7TH AND 8TH GRADE?
3. WHAT'S THE HOLD UP? WHY DON'T WE HAVE OUR ROSTERS YET?
4. IT'S BEEN A TOUGH SUMMER.
5. WHAT DO I TELL STUDENTS?
===1. THE TENTATIVE MATRIX===
Please keep in mind that the Matrix I sent you is a tentative Matrix. I actually sent it to you guys by mistake. I meant for "six" to check it and look it over but I accidentally sent it to everyone. It turns out to be a good mistake as both Jeff and Sookyoung caught two errors that I didn't catch.
I have resolved the errors by moving some classes, adding a Geometry class and so forth. I will be relooking at it to make sure that there is glance that there is enough classes to put them in.
===2. WAIT, WHY CAN'T A TEACHER TEACH 7TH AND 8TH GRADE?===
Some have asked why the 7th grade teacher cannot also be the 8th grade teacher. Unfortunately, I am balancing the needs of everyone with the students in mind first.
A) STUDENT NEEDS:
Students should have classes in every period. Having the the 7th grade teachers teach 8th grade leaves a hole in 1/3rd of the 7th graders schedule. They either will not have a PE class or Elective. And yes, they need PE or Elective. And no, it is not okay to just leave students with a hole in their schedules.
B) TEACHER FEEDBACK FROM LAST YEAR:
B1) One of the concerns raised last year was that students could not move classes because of being locked in to a schedule because of either foreign language, PE or Elective. One of the solutions this year was to put P.E., and Electives (and Foreign Language) all together in two periods (three in 10th) so that there would be mobility in the Core-classes.
B2) By taking Foreign Language, PE, and Electives out of the equation, we would be able to balance numbers much more easily.
B3) By taking Foreign Language, PE, and Electives out of the equation, we would be able to split up students who might not work well together.
B4) By taking Foreign Language, PE, and Electives out of the equation, we could core or cohort grades 6 through 9. Grades 10 through 12 is a bit harder because of all the different electives offered.
B5) Teachers asked if P.E. classes could be put in the afternoon. Yes. I did just that plus I need to put them there too because seniors need either Foreign Language or Electives in the later after noon.
C) OUR SCHEDULE IS A PUZZLE THAT CAN ONLY FIT A CERTAIN WAY:
We don't have the luxury that a big comprehensive high school has which is to offer a myriad of classes such that every single period has every single class imaginable. We just don't have that design. There is only so many ways you can piece this puzzle together. I have gone over countless times how to build a matrix that will accommodate everyone's wants and I have not been able to make a round square.
D) BUT THE OTHER SCHOOLS WERE ABLE TO DO IT?
I don't know how many in each grade level they have and what exactly their program looks like so I don't know what to say to that than "wow, I am envious.". They haven't been around all summer for me to look at their matrix so I really cannot give you an answer as to how they did it. If you get ahold of their matrix, please forward it to me. I'd like to know exactly what their numbers are and exactly how they did it. If you are able to piece together the matrix in a way that doesn't mess up 1/3rd of the 7th graders schedules and doesn't mess up other departments, please let me know.
I'm probably just not that smart as those counselors and administrators. I can accept that.
E) 6TH GRADE COMPLETELY SEPARATE:
The 6th grade teachers have noted safety issues last year having 6th, 7th and 8th all in the same PE. Upon talking with Ms. Folsoi, Ms. Garcia and Ms. Parker, all agreed that it would be best to separate the 6th grades from 7th/8th graders for PE which means that there is a limited amount of PE for middle school but it works out great for the entire Core-Class team anyways.
===3. WHAT'S THE HOLD UP? WHY DON'T WE HAVE OUR ROSTERS YET?===
Some things I do not have control over. I do not have control over other middle schools not switching over 8th grade final grades into their permanent records. So, I am basically guessing as to what 9th grade students need in terms of Math and other things.
I am not entirely sure who the new teachers are that are joining staff. Some things are beyond me.
I don't even have our our NOW Academy 6th graders on our rosters. Our own students. I have other students from other schools, and yes they are coming again with no records, but not our own students.
I don't know what elective the incoming 9th graders will have as we have not had orientation yet. I do like that LAHSA was able to have their new student orientation before school was out. I hope we can do so.
There are some "hanging" sections of classes that I am unsure who will be teaching them. I am awaiting word from Dr. Flores on what the final verdict is going to be. If those "hanging" sections are removed, it'll impact the 9th grade in which I am unsure how we will give classes to 9th graders as certain teachers are slated to teach other courses. For example, if we remove 2 Sections of Social Justice from 9th Grade, Mr. Wu will be unable to fill those missing sections in as he is already teaching Algebra 1B1. So either way, we have 2 hanging sections.
Also, I'm at home. As much as I am trying not to work at home (and failing at it), I don't have everything. I don't take home copies of who signed up for what. And I don't memorize them either.
===4. IT'S BEEN A HARD SUMMER===
I also need some sort of break. I have been calling middle schools, Local District 4, The University of California, relooking at all the students (for Foreign Language, Math and Science), trying to ensure that we get The Fulfillment Fund on board, sitting on interviews, trying to outreach to colleges, and working with the summer bridge program. I am taking 6 days off and will be back on the 17th. (Although, I am secretly going in on Monday so seek advise regarding the Matrix.)
It's not easy developing a matrix. I appreciate Mr. Deligencia (unsolicited by the way) for coming in because he saw how truly how impossible it was to put 7th and 8th grade together. Well, it is possible but at the detriment of 1/3rd of the 7th graders. I also appreciate Ms. Zapata for coming because she was able to give me concrete solutions for Foreign Language.
Please, when we come back to school, do not yell at me. I had that happen last year in the first week and it does not feel good to be treated that way. I, like you, am doing my best with whatever support I have. I do not have it out for you. I am not intentionally trying to mess you up.
I will have roughly around 500 students. That is going to be double that amount that I should have (as noted by my governing body's standards) and I will try my best to serve them all but please have patience with me. This is the first year that I am scheduling this many students. The highest I have ever had is 300+ students at Hamilton. And that is with the support of an APSCS, a separate College Counselor, a separate Career Counselor, a Pupil Student Attendance, a Drop-out Prevention counselor, and a School Psychologist. And I had the entire Fulfillment Fund Program helping out.
I'm not trying to play a victim, it is what it is.
===5. WHAT DO I TELL STUDENTS?===
Tell them, we are vacation, we are working on the schedules, we are hiring new teachers, or just tell them you do not know. They will know eventually. At Hamilton and at Westchester, students were not privy to their schedules until like a few days before school started. Even then, there will be changes.
I know that New Student Orientation is on the 27th. Maybe we can also set a day for existing students to get their schedules. I don't know.
Your friend, colleague or co-worker,
Please do not be offended by this journal entry. It truly is just a journal entry and I just want to have as honest disclosure without damning anyone. If it does offend, I apologize in advance and know that I have respect for all of you whether you see me as a friend, a professional colleague or just a co-worker. Here goes a wall of text.
1. THE TENTATIVE MATRIX
2. WAIT, WHY CAN'T A TEACHER TEACH 7TH AND 8TH GRADE?
3. WHAT'S THE HOLD UP? WHY DON'T WE HAVE OUR ROSTERS YET?
4. IT'S BEEN A TOUGH SUMMER.
5. WHAT DO I TELL STUDENTS?
===1. THE TENTATIVE MATRIX===
Please keep in mind that the Matrix I sent you is a tentative Matrix. I actually sent it to you guys by mistake. I meant for "six" to check it and look it over but I accidentally sent it to everyone. It turns out to be a good mistake as both Jeff and Sookyoung caught two errors that I didn't catch.
I have resolved the errors by moving some classes, adding a Geometry class and so forth. I will be relooking at it to make sure that there is glance that there is enough classes to put them in.
===2. WAIT, WHY CAN'T A TEACHER TEACH 7TH AND 8TH GRADE?===
Some have asked why the 7th grade teacher cannot also be the 8th grade teacher. Unfortunately, I am balancing the needs of everyone with the students in mind first.
A) STUDENT NEEDS:
Students should have classes in every period. Having the the 7th grade teachers teach 8th grade leaves a hole in 1/3rd of the 7th graders schedule. They either will not have a PE class or Elective. And yes, they need PE or Elective. And no, it is not okay to just leave students with a hole in their schedules.
B) TEACHER FEEDBACK FROM LAST YEAR:
B1) One of the concerns raised last year was that students could not move classes because of being locked in to a schedule because of either foreign language, PE or Elective. One of the solutions this year was to put P.E., and Electives (and Foreign Language) all together in two periods (three in 10th) so that there would be mobility in the Core-classes.
B2) By taking Foreign Language, PE, and Electives out of the equation, we would be able to balance numbers much more easily.
B3) By taking Foreign Language, PE, and Electives out of the equation, we would be able to split up students who might not work well together.
B4) By taking Foreign Language, PE, and Electives out of the equation, we could core or cohort grades 6 through 9. Grades 10 through 12 is a bit harder because of all the different electives offered.
B5) Teachers asked if P.E. classes could be put in the afternoon. Yes. I did just that plus I need to put them there too because seniors need either Foreign Language or Electives in the later after noon.
C) OUR SCHEDULE IS A PUZZLE THAT CAN ONLY FIT A CERTAIN WAY:
We don't have the luxury that a big comprehensive high school has which is to offer a myriad of classes such that every single period has every single class imaginable. We just don't have that design. There is only so many ways you can piece this puzzle together. I have gone over countless times how to build a matrix that will accommodate everyone's wants and I have not been able to make a round square.
D) BUT THE OTHER SCHOOLS WERE ABLE TO DO IT?
I don't know how many in each grade level they have and what exactly their program looks like so I don't know what to say to that than "wow, I am envious.". They haven't been around all summer for me to look at their matrix so I really cannot give you an answer as to how they did it. If you get ahold of their matrix, please forward it to me. I'd like to know exactly what their numbers are and exactly how they did it. If you are able to piece together the matrix in a way that doesn't mess up 1/3rd of the 7th graders schedules and doesn't mess up other departments, please let me know.
I'm probably just not that smart as those counselors and administrators. I can accept that.
E) 6TH GRADE COMPLETELY SEPARATE:
The 6th grade teachers have noted safety issues last year having 6th, 7th and 8th all in the same PE. Upon talking with Ms. Folsoi, Ms. Garcia and Ms. Parker, all agreed that it would be best to separate the 6th grades from 7th/8th graders for PE which means that there is a limited amount of PE for middle school but it works out great for the entire Core-Class team anyways.
===3. WHAT'S THE HOLD UP? WHY DON'T WE HAVE OUR ROSTERS YET?===
Some things I do not have control over. I do not have control over other middle schools not switching over 8th grade final grades into their permanent records. So, I am basically guessing as to what 9th grade students need in terms of Math and other things.
I am not entirely sure who the new teachers are that are joining staff. Some things are beyond me.
I don't even have our our NOW Academy 6th graders on our rosters. Our own students. I have other students from other schools, and yes they are coming again with no records, but not our own students.
I don't know what elective the incoming 9th graders will have as we have not had orientation yet. I do like that LAHSA was able to have their new student orientation before school was out. I hope we can do so.
There are some "hanging" sections of classes that I am unsure who will be teaching them. I am awaiting word from Dr. Flores on what the final verdict is going to be. If those "hanging" sections are removed, it'll impact the 9th grade in which I am unsure how we will give classes to 9th graders as certain teachers are slated to teach other courses. For example, if we remove 2 Sections of Social Justice from 9th Grade, Mr. Wu will be unable to fill those missing sections in as he is already teaching Algebra 1B1. So either way, we have 2 hanging sections.
Also, I'm at home. As much as I am trying not to work at home (and failing at it), I don't have everything. I don't take home copies of who signed up for what. And I don't memorize them either.
===4. IT'S BEEN A HARD SUMMER===
I also need some sort of break. I have been calling middle schools, Local District 4, The University of California, relooking at all the students (for Foreign Language, Math and Science), trying to ensure that we get The Fulfillment Fund on board, sitting on interviews, trying to outreach to colleges, and working with the summer bridge program. I am taking 6 days off and will be back on the 17th. (Although, I am secretly going in on Monday so seek advise regarding the Matrix.)
It's not easy developing a matrix. I appreciate Mr. Deligencia (unsolicited by the way) for coming in because he saw how truly how impossible it was to put 7th and 8th grade together. Well, it is possible but at the detriment of 1/3rd of the 7th graders. I also appreciate Ms. Zapata for coming because she was able to give me concrete solutions for Foreign Language.
Please, when we come back to school, do not yell at me. I had that happen last year in the first week and it does not feel good to be treated that way. I, like you, am doing my best with whatever support I have. I do not have it out for you. I am not intentionally trying to mess you up.
I will have roughly around 500 students. That is going to be double that amount that I should have (as noted by my governing body's standards) and I will try my best to serve them all but please have patience with me. This is the first year that I am scheduling this many students. The highest I have ever had is 300+ students at Hamilton. And that is with the support of an APSCS, a separate College Counselor, a separate Career Counselor, a Pupil Student Attendance, a Drop-out Prevention counselor, and a School Psychologist. And I had the entire Fulfillment Fund Program helping out.
I'm not trying to play a victim, it is what it is.
===5. WHAT DO I TELL STUDENTS?===
Tell them, we are vacation, we are working on the schedules, we are hiring new teachers, or just tell them you do not know. They will know eventually. At Hamilton and at Westchester, students were not privy to their schedules until like a few days before school started. Even then, there will be changes.
I know that New Student Orientation is on the 27th. Maybe we can also set a day for existing students to get their schedules. I don't know.
Your friend, colleague or co-worker,
MATRIX JOURNAL : Working on the weekend...
Dear friends, colleagues, and co-workers,
Please do not be offended by this journal entry. It truly is just a journal entry and I just want to have as honest disclosure without damning anyone. If it does offend, I apologize in advance and know that I have respect for all of you whether you see me as a friend, a professional colleague or just a co-worker. Here goes a wall of text.
1. THE TENTATIVE MATRIX
2. WAIT, WHY CAN'T A TEACHER TEACH 7TH AND 8TH GRADE?
3. WHAT'S THE HOLD UP? WHY DON'T WE HAVE OUR ROSTERS YET?
4. IT'S BEEN A TOUGH SUMMER.
5. WHAT DO I TELL STUDENTS?
===1. THE TENTATIVE MATRIX===
Please keep in mind that the Matrix I sent you is a tentative Matrix. I actually sent it to you guys by mistake. I meant for "six" to check it and look it over but I accidentally sent it to everyone. It turns out to be a good mistake as both Jeff and Sookyoung caught two errors that I didn't catch.
I have resolved the errors by moving some classes, adding a Geometry class and so forth. I will be relooking at it to make sure that there is glance that there is enough classes to put them in.
===2. WAIT, WHY CAN'T A TEACHER TEACH 7TH AND 8TH GRADE?===
Some have asked why the 7th grade teacher cannot also be the 8th grade teacher. Unfortunately, I am balancing the needs of everyone with the students in mind first.
A) STUDENT NEEDS:
Students should have classes in every period. Having the the 7th grade teachers teach 8th grade leaves a hole in 1/3rd of the 7th graders schedule. They either will not have a PE class or Elective. And yes, they need PE or Elective. And no, it is not okay to just leave students with a hole in their schedules.
B) TEACHER FEEDBACK FROM LAST YEAR:
B1) One of the concerns raised last year was that students could not move classes because of being locked in to a schedule because of either foreign language, PE or Elective. One of the solutions this year was to put P.E., and Electives (and Foreign Language) all together in two periods (three in 10th) so that there would be mobility in the Core-classes.
B2) By taking Foreign Language, PE, and Electives out of the equation, we would be able to balance numbers much more easily.
B3) By taking Foreign Language, PE, and Electives out of the equation, we would be able to split up students who might not work well together.
B4) By taking Foreign Language, PE, and Electives out of the equation, we could core or cohort grades 6 through 9. Grades 10 through 12 is a bit harder because of all the different electives offered.
B5) Teachers asked if P.E. classes could be put in the afternoon. Yes. I did just that plus I need to put them there too because seniors need either Foreign Language or Electives in the later after noon.
C) OUR SCHEDULE IS A PUZZLE THAT CAN ONLY FIT A CERTAIN WAY:
We don't have the luxury that a big comprehensive high school has which is to offer a myriad of classes such that every single period has every single class imaginable. We just don't have that design. There is only so many ways you can piece this puzzle together. I have gone over countless times how to build a matrix that will accommodate everyone's wants and I have not been able to make a round square.
D) BUT THE OTHER SCHOOLS WERE ABLE TO DO IT?
I don't know how many in each grade level they have and what exactly their program looks like so I don't know what to say to that than "wow, I am envious.". They haven't been around all summer for me to look at their matrix so I really cannot give you an answer as to how they did it. If you get ahold of their matrix, please forward it to me. I'd like to know exactly what their numbers are and exactly how they did it. If you are able to piece together the matrix in a way that doesn't mess up 1/3rd of the 7th graders schedules and doesn't mess up other departments, please let me know.
I'm probably just not that smart as those counselors and administrators. I can accept that.
E) 6TH GRADE COMPLETELY SEPARATE:
The 6th grade teachers have noted safety issues last year having 6th, 7th and 8th all in the same PE. Upon talking with Ms. Folsoi, Ms. Garcia and Ms. Parker, all agreed that it would be best to separate the 6th grades from 7th/8th graders for PE which means that there is a limited amount of PE for middle school but it works out great for the entire Core-Class team anyways.
===3. WHAT'S THE HOLD UP? WHY DON'T WE HAVE OUR ROSTERS YET?===
Some things I do not have control over. I do not have control over other middle schools not switching over 8th grade final grades into their permanent records. So, I am basically guessing as to what 9th grade students need in terms of Math and other things.
I am not entirely sure who the new teachers are that are joining staff. Some things are beyond me.
I don't even have our our NOW Academy 6th graders on our rosters. Our own students. I have other students from other schools, and yes they are coming again with no records, but not our own students.
I don't know what elective the incoming 9th graders will have as we have not had orientation yet. I do like that LAHSA was able to have their new student orientation before school was out. I hope we can do so.
There are some "hanging" sections of classes that I am unsure who will be teaching them. I am awaiting word from Dr. Flores on what the final verdict is going to be. If those "hanging" sections are removed, it'll impact the 9th grade in which I am unsure how we will give classes to 9th graders as certain teachers are slated to teach other courses. For example, if we remove 2 Sections of Social Justice from 9th Grade, Mr. Wu will be unable to fill those missing sections in as he is already teaching Algebra 1B1. So either way, we have 2 hanging sections.
Also, I'm at home. As much as I am trying not to work at home (and failing at it), I don't have everything. I don't take home copies of who signed up for what. And I don't memorize them either.
===4. IT'S BEEN A HARD SUMMER===
I also need some sort of break. I have been calling middle schools, Local District 4, The University of California, relooking at all the students (for Foreign Language, Math and Science), trying to ensure that we get The Fulfillment Fund on board, sitting on interviews, trying to outreach to colleges, and working with the summer bridge program. I am taking 6 days off and will be back on the 17th. (Although, I am secretly going in on Monday so seek advise regarding the Matrix.)
It's not easy developing a matrix. I appreciate Mr. Deligencia (unsolicited by the way) for coming in because he saw how truly how impossible it was to put 7th and 8th grade together. Well, it is possible but at the detriment of 1/3rd of the 7th graders. I also appreciate Ms. Zapata for coming because she was able to give me concrete solutions for Foreign Language.
Please, when we come back to school, do not yell at me. I had that happen last year in the first week and it does not feel good to be treated that way. I, like you, am doing my best with whatever support I have. I do not have it out for you. I am not intentionally trying to mess you up.
I will have roughly around 500 students. That is going to be double that amount that I should have (as noted by my governing body's standards) and I will try my best to serve them all but please have patience with me. This is the first year that I am scheduling this many students. The highest I have ever had is 300+ students at Hamilton. And that is with the support of an APSCS, a separate College Counselor, a separate Career Counselor, a Pupil Student Attendance, a Drop-out Prevention counselor, and a School Psychologist. And I had the entire Fulfillment Fund Program helping out.
I'm not trying to play a victim, it is what it is.
===5. WHAT DO I TELL STUDENTS?===
Tell them, we are vacation, we are working on the schedules, we are hiring new teachers, or just tell them you do not know. They will know eventually. At Hamilton and at Westchester, students were not privy to their schedules until like a few days before school started. Even then, there will be changes.
I know that New Student Orientation is on the 27th. Maybe we can also set a day for existing students to get their schedules. I don't know.
Your friend, colleague or co-worker,
Please do not be offended by this journal entry. It truly is just a journal entry and I just want to have as honest disclosure without damning anyone. If it does offend, I apologize in advance and know that I have respect for all of you whether you see me as a friend, a professional colleague or just a co-worker. Here goes a wall of text.
1. THE TENTATIVE MATRIX
2. WAIT, WHY CAN'T A TEACHER TEACH 7TH AND 8TH GRADE?
3. WHAT'S THE HOLD UP? WHY DON'T WE HAVE OUR ROSTERS YET?
4. IT'S BEEN A TOUGH SUMMER.
5. WHAT DO I TELL STUDENTS?
===1. THE TENTATIVE MATRIX===
Please keep in mind that the Matrix I sent you is a tentative Matrix. I actually sent it to you guys by mistake. I meant for "six" to check it and look it over but I accidentally sent it to everyone. It turns out to be a good mistake as both Jeff and Sookyoung caught two errors that I didn't catch.
I have resolved the errors by moving some classes, adding a Geometry class and so forth. I will be relooking at it to make sure that there is glance that there is enough classes to put them in.
===2. WAIT, WHY CAN'T A TEACHER TEACH 7TH AND 8TH GRADE?===
Some have asked why the 7th grade teacher cannot also be the 8th grade teacher. Unfortunately, I am balancing the needs of everyone with the students in mind first.
A) STUDENT NEEDS:
Students should have classes in every period. Having the the 7th grade teachers teach 8th grade leaves a hole in 1/3rd of the 7th graders schedule. They either will not have a PE class or Elective. And yes, they need PE or Elective. And no, it is not okay to just leave students with a hole in their schedules.
B) TEACHER FEEDBACK FROM LAST YEAR:
B1) One of the concerns raised last year was that students could not move classes because of being locked in to a schedule because of either foreign language, PE or Elective. One of the solutions this year was to put P.E., and Electives (and Foreign Language) all together in two periods (three in 10th) so that there would be mobility in the Core-classes.
B2) By taking Foreign Language, PE, and Electives out of the equation, we would be able to balance numbers much more easily.
B3) By taking Foreign Language, PE, and Electives out of the equation, we would be able to split up students who might not work well together.
B4) By taking Foreign Language, PE, and Electives out of the equation, we could core or cohort grades 6 through 9. Grades 10 through 12 is a bit harder because of all the different electives offered.
B5) Teachers asked if P.E. classes could be put in the afternoon. Yes. I did just that plus I need to put them there too because seniors need either Foreign Language or Electives in the later after noon.
C) OUR SCHEDULE IS A PUZZLE THAT CAN ONLY FIT A CERTAIN WAY:
We don't have the luxury that a big comprehensive high school has which is to offer a myriad of classes such that every single period has every single class imaginable. We just don't have that design. There is only so many ways you can piece this puzzle together. I have gone over countless times how to build a matrix that will accommodate everyone's wants and I have not been able to make a round square.
D) BUT THE OTHER SCHOOLS WERE ABLE TO DO IT?
I don't know how many in each grade level they have and what exactly their program looks like so I don't know what to say to that than "wow, I am envious.". They haven't been around all summer for me to look at their matrix so I really cannot give you an answer as to how they did it. If you get ahold of their matrix, please forward it to me. I'd like to know exactly what their numbers are and exactly how they did it. If you are able to piece together the matrix in a way that doesn't mess up 1/3rd of the 7th graders schedules and doesn't mess up other departments, please let me know.
I'm probably just not that smart as those counselors and administrators. I can accept that.
E) 6TH GRADE COMPLETELY SEPARATE:
The 6th grade teachers have noted safety issues last year having 6th, 7th and 8th all in the same PE. Upon talking with Ms. Folsoi, Ms. Garcia and Ms. Parker, all agreed that it would be best to separate the 6th grades from 7th/8th graders for PE which means that there is a limited amount of PE for middle school but it works out great for the entire Core-Class team anyways.
===3. WHAT'S THE HOLD UP? WHY DON'T WE HAVE OUR ROSTERS YET?===
Some things I do not have control over. I do not have control over other middle schools not switching over 8th grade final grades into their permanent records. So, I am basically guessing as to what 9th grade students need in terms of Math and other things.
I am not entirely sure who the new teachers are that are joining staff. Some things are beyond me.
I don't even have our our NOW Academy 6th graders on our rosters. Our own students. I have other students from other schools, and yes they are coming again with no records, but not our own students.
I don't know what elective the incoming 9th graders will have as we have not had orientation yet. I do like that LAHSA was able to have their new student orientation before school was out. I hope we can do so.
There are some "hanging" sections of classes that I am unsure who will be teaching them. I am awaiting word from Dr. Flores on what the final verdict is going to be. If those "hanging" sections are removed, it'll impact the 9th grade in which I am unsure how we will give classes to 9th graders as certain teachers are slated to teach other courses. For example, if we remove 2 Sections of Social Justice from 9th Grade, Mr. Wu will be unable to fill those missing sections in as he is already teaching Algebra 1B1. So either way, we have 2 hanging sections.
Also, I'm at home. As much as I am trying not to work at home (and failing at it), I don't have everything. I don't take home copies of who signed up for what. And I don't memorize them either.
===4. IT'S BEEN A HARD SUMMER===
I also need some sort of break. I have been calling middle schools, Local District 4, The University of California, relooking at all the students (for Foreign Language, Math and Science), trying to ensure that we get The Fulfillment Fund on board, sitting on interviews, trying to outreach to colleges, and working with the summer bridge program. I am taking 6 days off and will be back on the 17th. (Although, I am secretly going in on Monday so seek advise regarding the Matrix.)
It's not easy developing a matrix. I appreciate Mr. Deligencia (unsolicited by the way) for coming in because he saw how truly how impossible it was to put 7th and 8th grade together. Well, it is possible but at the detriment of 1/3rd of the 7th graders. I also appreciate Ms. Zapata for coming because she was able to give me concrete solutions for Foreign Language.
Please, when we come back to school, do not yell at me. I had that happen last year in the first week and it does not feel good to be treated that way. I, like you, am doing my best with whatever support I have. I do not have it out for you. I am not intentionally trying to mess you up.
I will have roughly around 500 students. That is going to be double that amount that I should have (as noted by my governing body's standards) and I will try my best to serve them all but please have patience with me. This is the first year that I am scheduling this many students. The highest I have ever had is 300+ students at Hamilton. And that is with the support of an APSCS, a separate College Counselor, a separate Career Counselor, a Pupil Student Attendance, a Drop-out Prevention counselor, and a School Psychologist. And I had the entire Fulfillment Fund Program helping out.
I'm not trying to play a victim, it is what it is.
===5. WHAT DO I TELL STUDENTS?===
Tell them, we are vacation, we are working on the schedules, we are hiring new teachers, or just tell them you do not know. They will know eventually. At Hamilton and at Westchester, students were not privy to their schedules until like a few days before school started. Even then, there will be changes.
I know that New Student Orientation is on the 27th. Maybe we can also set a day for existing students to get their schedules. I don't know.
Your friend, colleague or co-worker,
Monday, August 8, 2011
MATRIX JOURNAL: Progress, Setbacks and Roadblocks
Hi all,
It's been a while since I've sent a Matrix Journal. This will be a long wall of text, so please feel free to read at your particular section.
0. PROJECTED NUMBERS
1. FOREIGN LANGUAGE
2. MATH
3. SOCIAL STUDIES
4. SCIENCE
5. ENGLISH
6. VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS
7. PHYSICAL EDUCATION
8. ELD
9. SIXTH GRADE
10. SPED
11. THE MATRIX AS IT STANDS
12. BALANCING ACT
13. THE FULFILLMENT FUND
14. UPDATE ON ME
===0. PROJECTED NUMBERS============
Although I was able to get the incoming students from other schools, we can expected more students to come in unless we truly hold to the cap that we are told to have. We current have roughly 90 9th graders and we expect to have another 30 student to put us at 120. Our cap is 110 but based on last year, we will likely have 10 over. :-?
===1. FOREIGN LANGUAGE==============
Thank you Leyla for coming in and helping me sort out the Foreign Language issue. We had to examine every student who came signed up for Spanish and we were able to create manageable numbers for all Spanish sections. Korean remains as 2 sections.
===2. MATH===========================
Well, this one has been such a hard series of courses to really get a grasp. With no records from the Middle Schools, it has been very difficult to know what the real numbers are and I am afraid that because of Math, we will see a scrambling of classes even if we create a matrix. As it stands right now, this is what we have.
- Math 6 = 4 sections
- Math 7 = 3 Sections (cannot be 8th grade teacher)
- Math 8 = 2 sections (cannot be 7th grade teacher)
- Algebra 1A = 4 sections (3 8th graders, 79 9th graders, 22 10 graders, 4 11th graders) - this will fluctuate based on the grades we get from the middle schools
- Algebra 1B1 = 2 sections (40 10th graders, 4 11th graders, and 1 senior)
- Math Intervention = 1 Section (consists of students who have Below Basic and Far Below Basic who are not in SPED. I have removed Below Basic students who have done well in Math)
- Geometry = 3 sections (6 9th graders, 26 10th graders, 30 11th graders and 6 12th graders) - this will fluctuate based on the grades we get from the middle school
- Algebra 2 = 2 sections (1 9th grader, 21 10th graders, 15 11th graders, 22 seniors)
- Trigonometry/Math Analysis = 1 section (3 10th graders, 15 11th graders, 15 12th graders)
- Upper Mathematics = 1 section (3 11th graders, 5 12th graders) - might go higher as we decide whether this will become Calculus or Statistics or Discreet Math
- Total Courses = 23 sections
Valle = 5 sections of Math
Wu = 2 sections of Math, 2 sections New Media, 1section Film Production
Yang = 3 sections of Math, 2 Sections of Korean
Teacher X = 5 sections of Math
Teacher Y = 4 sections of Math, 1 Physics
Teacher 6A = 2 Sections Math, 2 Sections Sci 1 Section SJ
Teacher 6B = 2 Sections Math, 2 Sections Sci, 1 Section SJ
Total Sections = 23 sections
===3. SOCIAL STUDIES==================
This one is not solved yet. The problem is the same problem as with the other courses. The World History 7 and US History 8 cannot be the same person. We also have 1 section of Social Justice unaccounted for.
- Ancient Civ 6 = 4 sections (Garcia and Folsoi)
- World History 7 = 3 sections (cannot also be the 8th grade US History teacher)
- US History 8 = 2 Sections (cannot also be the 7th grade World History teacher)
- 2 Sections of Social Justice (1 section accounted for)
- 4 Sections of World History
- 3 Sections of US History
- 2 Sections of Government
- Total = 20 sections
Garcia = 2 And Civ
Folsoi = 2 And Civ
Perez = 5 Hx
Link = 5 Hx
Teacher A = 5 Hx
Total = 19 sections (short 1)
===4. SCIENCE=========================
The problem here is the same problem as Social Studies. NOT Enough sections
- Science 6 = 4 Sections
- Science 7 = 3 Sections (cannot be 8th grade teacher)
- Science 8 = 2 Sections (cannot be 7th grade teacher)
- Science 9 = 4 Sections
- Biology = 4 Sections
- Chemistry = 3 Sections
- Physics = 1 Physics
- Total = 21 Sections
Teacher 6A = 2 Sections
Teacher 6B = 2 Sections
Teacher S = 5 Sections
Harada = 5 Sections
Bagorio = 5 Sections
Teacher Y = 1 Section of Physics
Total = 20 Sections (short 1)
===5. ENGLISH==========================
Thank you Nick for arranging with Johan on what needed to be done and for e-mailing the English department on the problem at hand. The problem that the English 8 teacher cannot also the English 7 teacher and the switch between Johan and Nick made a huge difference.
- 4 sections of English 6
- 3 sections of English 7
- 2 Sections of English 8
- 4 Sections of English 9
- 4 Sections of English 10
- 3 Section of English 11
- 2 Sections of English 12
- Total = 22 Sections
Garcia/Folsoi = English 6 x 4
Aghevli = English 7 x 3, English 9 x 1, and Science Fiction
Deligencia = English 11 x 3, English 8 x 2
Talleda = English 12 x 2, 3 ESL courses
Schlatter = English 10 x 4, Journalism x 1
Waid = 3 English 9 x 3, 1 Drama MS x 1, 1 Drama HS x 1
Total = 22 Sections
===6. VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS========
Unfortunately, these numbers will fluctuate based on the numbers from Math and Foreign Language.
Alexander = 2 MS Art, 1 MS Dig Media, 1 HS Art, 1 HS Dig Media
Wu = 1 Film Prod
Waid = 1HS Drama, 1 MS Drama
===7. PHYSICAL EDUCATION==============
The needs of other colleagues has been to place 6th grade separately from 7th and 8th and for 9th grade or 10th grade to be in the afternoon period. We can only accommodate 2 out of 3 of these requests because Edwin unable to teach in the afternoon.
Morning Periods: 6th Grade x 2 = Parker, 7th/8th Grade x 2 = Lopez
Middle Periods: 9th Grade x 2 = Lopez, 10th Grade x 1 = Parker
Afternoon Periods: 10th Grade x 2 = Parker
===8. ELD=============================
I don't know exactly who is teaching which section. I don't really have an update on this one unfortunately.
===9. SIXTH GRADE=====================
You guys are fine for now. Stay tuned.
===10. SPED===========================
All students who need an Academic Literacy Course has been given one and here is the numbers as they stand
MS SDC = 6 students + incoming NOW Academy SPED. I'm not sure why they haven't been uploaded to our SIS data. Students from others schools have been. :-/
HS SDC = 17 students (since the number is over 15, Yolanda told me that if that number holds for 2 months, they will assign an extra TA)
MS RSP = 9 students + incoming NOW Academy SPED
HS RSP = 16 students
===11. THE MATRIX AS IT STANDS=========
I am not able to finish the matrix as certain conflicts serve as blockage. And not knowing who exactly is on staff and who is teaching those two hanging classes is quite frustrating.
===12. BALANCING CLASSES=============
By putting Foreign Language, Visual & Performing Arts in with Physical Education, it has made balancing courses in Middle School okay. It is when we factor in Math that starts to mess with the numbers in High School. Math is going to the determinator of which student goes in what class this year it seems. People will be cohorted by what Math classes the are in.
===13. THE FULFILLMENT FUND===========
We have secured our partnership with The Fulfillment Fund. Our partnership will begin with the incoming 9th grade class fro the upcoming year and will expand tot he other grade in three years. Furthermore, we are on their list for Mentoring services with Middle School in two years. It is a start but that leaves the 12th grade class without support from the Fulfillment Fund. It will mean that I am going to have to do college counseling for the 12th graders too.
===14. UPDATE ON ME====================
I'm still RIF'd. I'm subbing for my position. It's simply a waiting game for me and I wasn't prepared for the financial stress it has presented. Even though I am burnt I am actually looking forward to working again so that I can be back on a somewhat manageable financial situation. If only I had gone on my gut around my RIF situation, I probably would not be in this situation or at the very least prepare for it. Well, what can I do but to simply look at it as a challenge in which I can manifest my buddha-nature.
It's been a while since I've sent a Matrix Journal. This will be a long wall of text, so please feel free to read at your particular section.
0. PROJECTED NUMBERS
1. FOREIGN LANGUAGE
2. MATH
3. SOCIAL STUDIES
4. SCIENCE
5. ENGLISH
6. VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS
7. PHYSICAL EDUCATION
8. ELD
9. SIXTH GRADE
10. SPED
11. THE MATRIX AS IT STANDS
12. BALANCING ACT
13. THE FULFILLMENT FUND
14. UPDATE ON ME
===0. PROJECTED NUMBERS============
Although I was able to get the incoming students from other schools, we can expected more students to come in unless we truly hold to the cap that we are told to have. We current have roughly 90 9th graders and we expect to have another 30 student to put us at 120. Our cap is 110 but based on last year, we will likely have 10 over. :-?
===1. FOREIGN LANGUAGE==============
Thank you Leyla for coming in and helping me sort out the Foreign Language issue. We had to examine every student who came signed up for Spanish and we were able to create manageable numbers for all Spanish sections. Korean remains as 2 sections.
===2. MATH===========================
Well, this one has been such a hard series of courses to really get a grasp. With no records from the Middle Schools, it has been very difficult to know what the real numbers are and I am afraid that because of Math, we will see a scrambling of classes even if we create a matrix. As it stands right now, this is what we have.
- Math 6 = 4 sections
- Math 7 = 3 Sections (cannot be 8th grade teacher)
- Math 8 = 2 sections (cannot be 7th grade teacher)
- Algebra 1A = 4 sections (3 8th graders, 79 9th graders, 22 10 graders, 4 11th graders) - this will fluctuate based on the grades we get from the middle schools
- Algebra 1B1 = 2 sections (40 10th graders, 4 11th graders, and 1 senior)
- Math Intervention = 1 Section (consists of students who have Below Basic and Far Below Basic who are not in SPED. I have removed Below Basic students who have done well in Math)
- Geometry = 3 sections (6 9th graders, 26 10th graders, 30 11th graders and 6 12th graders) - this will fluctuate based on the grades we get from the middle school
- Algebra 2 = 2 sections (1 9th grader, 21 10th graders, 15 11th graders, 22 seniors)
- Trigonometry/Math Analysis = 1 section (3 10th graders, 15 11th graders, 15 12th graders)
- Upper Mathematics = 1 section (3 11th graders, 5 12th graders) - might go higher as we decide whether this will become Calculus or Statistics or Discreet Math
- Total Courses = 23 sections
Valle = 5 sections of Math
Wu = 2 sections of Math, 2 sections New Media, 1section Film Production
Yang = 3 sections of Math, 2 Sections of Korean
Teacher X = 5 sections of Math
Teacher Y = 4 sections of Math, 1 Physics
Teacher 6A = 2 Sections Math, 2 Sections Sci 1 Section SJ
Teacher 6B = 2 Sections Math, 2 Sections Sci, 1 Section SJ
Total Sections = 23 sections
===3. SOCIAL STUDIES==================
This one is not solved yet. The problem is the same problem as with the other courses. The World History 7 and US History 8 cannot be the same person. We also have 1 section of Social Justice unaccounted for.
- Ancient Civ 6 = 4 sections (Garcia and Folsoi)
- World History 7 = 3 sections (cannot also be the 8th grade US History teacher)
- US History 8 = 2 Sections (cannot also be the 7th grade World History teacher)
- 2 Sections of Social Justice (1 section accounted for)
- 4 Sections of World History
- 3 Sections of US History
- 2 Sections of Government
- Total = 20 sections
Garcia = 2 And Civ
Folsoi = 2 And Civ
Perez = 5 Hx
Link = 5 Hx
Teacher A = 5 Hx
Total = 19 sections (short 1)
===4. SCIENCE=========================
The problem here is the same problem as Social Studies. NOT Enough sections
- Science 6 = 4 Sections
- Science 7 = 3 Sections (cannot be 8th grade teacher)
- Science 8 = 2 Sections (cannot be 7th grade teacher)
- Science 9 = 4 Sections
- Biology = 4 Sections
- Chemistry = 3 Sections
- Physics = 1 Physics
- Total = 21 Sections
Teacher 6A = 2 Sections
Teacher 6B = 2 Sections
Teacher S = 5 Sections
Harada = 5 Sections
Bagorio = 5 Sections
Teacher Y = 1 Section of Physics
Total = 20 Sections (short 1)
===5. ENGLISH==========================
Thank you Nick for arranging with Johan on what needed to be done and for e-mailing the English department on the problem at hand. The problem that the English 8 teacher cannot also the English 7 teacher and the switch between Johan and Nick made a huge difference.
- 4 sections of English 6
- 3 sections of English 7
- 2 Sections of English 8
- 4 Sections of English 9
- 4 Sections of English 10
- 3 Section of English 11
- 2 Sections of English 12
- Total = 22 Sections
Garcia/Folsoi = English 6 x 4
Aghevli = English 7 x 3, English 9 x 1, and Science Fiction
Deligencia = English 11 x 3, English 8 x 2
Talleda = English 12 x 2, 3 ESL courses
Schlatter = English 10 x 4, Journalism x 1
Waid = 3 English 9 x 3, 1 Drama MS x 1, 1 Drama HS x 1
Total = 22 Sections
===6. VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS========
Unfortunately, these numbers will fluctuate based on the numbers from Math and Foreign Language.
Alexander = 2 MS Art, 1 MS Dig Media, 1 HS Art, 1 HS Dig Media
Wu = 1 Film Prod
Waid = 1HS Drama, 1 MS Drama
===7. PHYSICAL EDUCATION==============
The needs of other colleagues has been to place 6th grade separately from 7th and 8th and for 9th grade or 10th grade to be in the afternoon period. We can only accommodate 2 out of 3 of these requests because Edwin unable to teach in the afternoon.
Morning Periods: 6th Grade x 2 = Parker, 7th/8th Grade x 2 = Lopez
Middle Periods: 9th Grade x 2 = Lopez, 10th Grade x 1 = Parker
Afternoon Periods: 10th Grade x 2 = Parker
===8. ELD=============================
I don't know exactly who is teaching which section. I don't really have an update on this one unfortunately.
===9. SIXTH GRADE=====================
You guys are fine for now. Stay tuned.
===10. SPED===========================
All students who need an Academic Literacy Course has been given one and here is the numbers as they stand
MS SDC = 6 students + incoming NOW Academy SPED. I'm not sure why they haven't been uploaded to our SIS data. Students from others schools have been. :-/
HS SDC = 17 students (since the number is over 15, Yolanda told me that if that number holds for 2 months, they will assign an extra TA)
MS RSP = 9 students + incoming NOW Academy SPED
HS RSP = 16 students
===11. THE MATRIX AS IT STANDS=========
I am not able to finish the matrix as certain conflicts serve as blockage. And not knowing who exactly is on staff and who is teaching those two hanging classes is quite frustrating.
===12. BALANCING CLASSES=============
By putting Foreign Language, Visual & Performing Arts in with Physical Education, it has made balancing courses in Middle School okay. It is when we factor in Math that starts to mess with the numbers in High School. Math is going to the determinator of which student goes in what class this year it seems. People will be cohorted by what Math classes the are in.
===13. THE FULFILLMENT FUND===========
We have secured our partnership with The Fulfillment Fund. Our partnership will begin with the incoming 9th grade class fro the upcoming year and will expand tot he other grade in three years. Furthermore, we are on their list for Mentoring services with Middle School in two years. It is a start but that leaves the 12th grade class without support from the Fulfillment Fund. It will mean that I am going to have to do college counseling for the 12th graders too.
===14. UPDATE ON ME====================
I'm still RIF'd. I'm subbing for my position. It's simply a waiting game for me and I wasn't prepared for the financial stress it has presented. Even though I am burnt I am actually looking forward to working again so that I can be back on a somewhat manageable financial situation. If only I had gone on my gut around my RIF situation, I probably would not be in this situation or at the very least prepare for it. Well, what can I do but to simply look at it as a challenge in which I can manifest my buddha-nature.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
MATRIX JOURNAL: The roadblock after next...
With Leyla coming in last week to help figure out what to do with the Spanish classes, the blockage in the 10th grade was finally freed up. So, we have a Master Schedule for Grades 6 through 10. And not only is it a a Master Schedule, it is a schedule that is "mastered" meaning the core classes are freed from the electives and P.E. to a greater degree than what we had last year. Grades 6 through 9 are pitch perfect. Grades 10 is somewhat less free because of the language but there is mobility in that students are funneled into 2 or 3 cohorts.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)