So it goes.
I admit, the only Clash album I own is London Calling, but I enjoy it's greatness.
I wonder what le Connaisseur de la Musique would say.
We'll have to wait for that's not what this is all about.
If you've been following along at home, you know that I recently got a new job assignment.
So far, it's been okay, but I'm built for this sort of thing.
The instructor I work with well, let's just say it's not going so good.
Thing is, I was sort of like these kids, way back in another life.
Okay, maybe not that bad, but enough that I can sort of identify with them.
Sort of.
It was difficult for me, coming in as the quarter is about to end. I mean it takes a while to see what the dynamic of the classroom is.
Well, I finally figured it out.
Chaos.
When I think of this class, I am reminded of Captain Willard, visiting that bridge up the river trying to find the person in charge.
"Who's in charge here soldier?"
"Ain't you?"
Okay, we all know that Roach was really in charge, just too modest to admit it.
Well, these kids, it seems they think they are in charge too.
Own the classroom think they do.
So much so that we were on the brink of losing control.
The instructor and I, I mean.
I can't tell you too much about these kids, confidentiality and all that. Let me just say that they are "high risk."
If you catch my drift.
It's been a rough nine days.
We tried to be nice, nurturing, helpful, tolerant, and forgiving.
It wasn't working.
Today, I let them know that things were going to be different.
It was time for them to learn that there are consequences for their actions.
I sort of feel bad, but it comes down to documentation.
If we don't document things, nothing gets done, nothing changes, and ultimately, the student suffers.
So I am forced to go take on a role I have not taken on before, that of a disciplinarian:
The enforcer.
The strong arm.
The hammer.
It's strange for me to say the least for as I said, I was often on the other side, the one being enforced upon.
I'm not sure if I like it.
Then again, it was way back in another life when I fought the law and the law won.
Hopefully I can pass on that lesson.
2 comments:
My older daughter is successful at shutting out the noise and distractions in today's action-packed, hubbub-filled classrooms, while my younger daughter seems more negatively affected. I think I am more like my younger daughter. I've always wanted a sheriff to keep some peace and quiet in the classroom. Things Just Aren't Done That Way now, though, it seems.
It was because of the reason you mention that things are going to change.
We do have a few kids who have "seen the light" and try to do their work so they can rejoin their peers. I did not want the others the become distractions.
Well, they already are distractions, but we hope to significantly change the classroom environment.
Sort of a do what you can for those that do, learn the hard way strategy.
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