Unsettled

The week was uneventful; rather, the week was on-par as the previous, so not much change.

My attempt to use differentiating strategies became the latest uproar. Angry parents for separating students according to ability. I try to be transparent, so the students know why something is the way it is. Is that not what we are supposed to do- tell the student why something is the way it is. In the end, Martha came around for a meeting and was determined that "differential philosophies are sound, but the practices may be biased." So what does that mean? We can believe in them, but not practice in the classroom? A whole bunch of crap to me.

On the flip, there are students who WANT TO BE CHALLENGED and there is support from parents. Not sure what to do, after the mandate that I must give the same to everyone. "Don't want to make some kids feel dumb"- well, they need to get their work done and study or I would not be focused on them to improve their grade and knowledge baseline.

Darren is supposed to return to school next week. Either I stand my ground and pull a big stick, if not quit, or cower and just stay quiet. I was advised to just ride it out and without much noise by few colleagues. He has an IEP, so that is the way it has to be. More crap.

Last weekend was 12 years for David and I. I had grad class all weekend, so no real celebration. What is there to celebrate really? That we've tolerated each other for so long? That we are each filled with a fear of loneliness?

Not much sunshine and rainbows.... maybe next week will be better.