If yesterday's "What We Learned in Summer School" didn't validate my summer school teaching experience, then this morning's surprise visit from a parent did.
Clinton's aunt asked to speak to me so I got the kids started on their final exams and then stepped outside not sure what to expect.
"I came in this morning hoping to get your advice," she started. "I've always felt he could do more and this summer he has proven that he can. He loves your class and is doing more work than I have ever seen him do. I was hoping you could tell me how to keep the momentum going? Should I get him a tutor? I've always felt that __________ is not the school for him. I don't think he has ever had a teacher like you. If we move so he can be in your class again?"
I just filled up with goodness and hugged her on that comment because something in her voice told me she would seriously consider it! I told her, "there is no need for a tutor or for a moving truck - I believe that Clinton (pictured above doin' the jerk) has always known that he can, but for whatever reason, has chosen not to. Something wonderful happened in this trailer early on to help him make the mental switch from 'can but won't' to 'should and will'. I have marvelled at his memory and ability to retain and use this new vocabulary. I would have bet money that he was taking English 11 to get ahead. I was shocked to learn that he had failed the class. I wouldn't believe that Clinton is capable of failing anything. But somehow Clinton allowed a teacher or students to keep him from performing at his potential. I will talk to him and try to help him understand the importance of moving forward after summer school."
"I would very much appreciate that."
"It has been an honor to be Clinton's teacher. I simply hope that he will stay in touch with me so I can try to help him stay motivated and to remind him that he has the potential for greatness."
She thanked me again and walked away leaving me to ponder what exactly flipped the switch for Clinton. I couldn't ask him today with all the testing we did but hopefully he and I can have some quality time together tomorrow.
Clinton's aunt asked to speak to me so I got the kids started on their final exams and then stepped outside not sure what to expect.
"I came in this morning hoping to get your advice," she started. "I've always felt he could do more and this summer he has proven that he can. He loves your class and is doing more work than I have ever seen him do. I was hoping you could tell me how to keep the momentum going? Should I get him a tutor? I've always felt that __________ is not the school for him. I don't think he has ever had a teacher like you. If we move so he can be in your class again?"
I just filled up with goodness and hugged her on that comment because something in her voice told me she would seriously consider it! I told her, "there is no need for a tutor or for a moving truck - I believe that Clinton (pictured above doin' the jerk) has always known that he can, but for whatever reason, has chosen not to. Something wonderful happened in this trailer early on to help him make the mental switch from 'can but won't' to 'should and will'. I have marvelled at his memory and ability to retain and use this new vocabulary. I would have bet money that he was taking English 11 to get ahead. I was shocked to learn that he had failed the class. I wouldn't believe that Clinton is capable of failing anything. But somehow Clinton allowed a teacher or students to keep him from performing at his potential. I will talk to him and try to help him understand the importance of moving forward after summer school."
"I would very much appreciate that."
"It has been an honor to be Clinton's teacher. I simply hope that he will stay in touch with me so I can try to help him stay motivated and to remind him that he has the potential for greatness."
She thanked me again and walked away leaving me to ponder what exactly flipped the switch for Clinton. I couldn't ask him today with all the testing we did but hopefully he and I can have some quality time together tomorrow.
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