Interesting

You know what I'm finding interesting? We have some short standardized benchmark tests that we have to give our homerooms. It takes some class time, but it's generally a short (3-4 min per section) math, reading, and writing test. And then we have to grade them on our own time. It's a pain, but you know what? I'm finding it interesting.

First of all, the kids have improved considerably since we gave them the same type of test in October. It's like a whole new class. On the math test, I can see which topics they haven't learned yet (add/subtract with negative numbers) compared to which topics they probably covered recently because 80% of the class got those questions correct (multiplying two- and three-digit numbers). Every student seems to have improved somewhat in math, as well as writing and reading. Every single student.

I can't promise I've taught them anything, but now I'm sure it's possible. These kids are learning. They are getting something out of their seventh grade year. It leaves me with hope I can teach them as well.

Also, kids keep coming up to me to practice reciting the steps of mitosis. YES!