Do any of you work in Title I schools?

This is my first year teaching 3rd grade in Title I.

I am EXHAUSTED, stressed-out and just generally defeated.

Our kids take the EOG (End-of Grade) test here in NC. Every single year from 3-12th grades. It's ludicrous.

And, most of my kids have non-English-speaking parents who want their kids to do well, but can't support them at home.

We gave them a practice test to see if our teaching has helped...most of my kids bombed it.

It's so frustrating to put your blood, sweat and tears into teaching these kids (and to see that they CAN do it) just to see them fail OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

Sometimes I feel like we've already lost the game, but we keep showing up to play.

Message edited 3/30/2011 6:25:03 PM.

Re: Do any of you work in Title I schools?

I taught in a title I school for 4 years and it was draining - emotionally, physically and mentally...however, those were 4 of the most rewarding years of my life...to know that we made a difference in the lives of children who were otherwise cast aside, was what made my colleagues and i continue to go back, day after day, administration change after administration change.

it's not an easy job, and not for every teacher, but u seem like u truly care and want to make a difference...u will, it just takes time and patience.

i noticed, after the first year, the children responded better b/c we were still there, hadn't left them, high turnover was expected and when they realized there were teachers who stuck it out, the parents and students came together to do better - in every sense.

i know how hard it can be whether the tests show it or not, u r making a difference :)

Re: Do any of you work in Title I schools?

Hey Beth

The school I taught at for 4 years was Title I, and... well, you know how that ended up for me. When the opportunity came along for me to leave teaching, I took it because I was so frustrated and stressed out. I often felt that my best efforts in the classroom were absolutely futile.

But now that I've had a few years distance from the classroom and can reflect without my personal feelings getting in the way, I think back and realize what good I was really doing - even if it was in the little things. I was a positive influence in the children's lives. I exposed them to books they may not have read otherwise, and showed them pictures of places that they might not ever see, and I encouraged them to do well in school and reach for their goals, which is something many of them didn't get to hear at home. And yeah, I taught them the stupid scripted lessons, and so many of them struggled, and some of them failed, and it was heartbreaking - but I did witness them making progress. Screw the results of the state exams (I know, I know - easier said than done when that's all that matters to anyone these days) - those kids DID learn from me.

So I guess I just want to try and send you a little encouragement. I know so well how hard it is to see when the kids keep bombing their exams, but in the grand scheme of things, you're doing them a world of good

Re: Do any of you work in Title I schools?

I also teach in a Title I school (nine years).

It's frustrating to try to measure your effort and the success of the kids with tests. The kids come to school with serious academic deficits and many of them have no support at home. I believe their parents want them to succeed, but there are a lot of barriers that prevent them from really helping their children. They work long hours, they don't speak the language, they didn't do well in school themselves, they suffer from addictions, etc. It really feels like the teacher is the only one in the fight sometimes.

When you can, try to look for non-test success, like A participates in class more often or B comes to school on time 4 out of 5 days a week and know that those successes are due to your work.

One of the best things I ever did for myself was loop with my 4th grade class. In the summer between 4th and 5th grade, I had time apart from them and I couldn't believe what I saw in September. I saw amazing writers, mathematicians and readers that I didn't see when I was teaching them in fifth grade. That distance convinced me that regardless of what their tests showed, I made a huge difference as their teacher.

Re: Do any of you work in Title I schools?

Thanks everyone.

I love these kids. I have a wonderful class, for the most part. And they are working HARD.

If our school doesn't have a 47% pass rate on the tests this year (last year's % was 31), we will be taken over by the state. My principal will be reassigned, as will 50% of the staff of my school.

All based on one test.

It's really frustrating to see what education has become. As many of you have said, *I* can see how far these kids have come from the beginning of the year. But that huge change won't come through in the test scores. It really bothers me.