Sup Teach?

Today was ‘textbook day.’ The majority of each class period was spent journeying to the library, standing in line, checking out textbooks, then journeying right back. Laidback for teachers, laidback for students. Throughout the day, however, I couldn’t help but notice a stark contrast in attitude between classes…

Many of my geometry students were excited. A new year, a new book. Some were eager to leaf through the text to check out the names of chapters, new words, new pictures. What do we have in store this year?

A different aura was in the air as my algebra students picked up their textbooks. Many looked bitter as the librarian asked them for their id, as the librarian checked in w/ me to ascertain whether or not the student was in my class.

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I am teaching 3 periods of algebra and 2 periods of geometry this year. But those 3 periods of algebra are not your typical periods of algebra. The way our high school operates is as follows: freshmen students enjoy the luxury of smaller math classes. They’re either placed in a small algebra class or a small geometry class. Last year, my freshmen geometry class had 25. This year, my freshmen geometry class has 20 students. After their freshmen year, students no longer receive that luxury. Class sizes balloon. The consequence is that all freshmen who fail algebra their freshmen year are left with no choice but to retake the class in a much different environment.

The class sizes of my algebra classes are 33, 38, and 39. Yesterday, during second period, I had to open up 2 extra desks I had set aside in storage so that everyone had a space to sit. Today, as my sixth period class completed an activity meant to help them learn HOW to use their textbook, I couldn’t take it anymore…

Me: “On your exit slip, please answer the following quesions: Have you had this same algebra 1 textbook before? And if so, how do you feel about getting it back today? Please turn that exit slip back to me as you walk out the door.”

Responses:

I had this book before and getting it back makes me feel dumb
Yes I’ve had this book before and it feels weird to be learning the same thing over again
I feel bad about it
I had it in 8th grade and I don’t like it
I hate this book for the 2nd time
I don’t care
I had this book since 8th grade and I feel like I’m not getting any smarter
I have had it already and I feel stupid
Yes I have. I don’t feel good.
Yes I have and I want a different one.
I had it last year. I feel bad and mad.

Over 90% of the class responded negatively to the prompt. Re-receiving a textbook they hated all last year must’ve felt like a slap in the face. It’s almost as if our school has given up on these students, mushing together all the ‘failures’ into huge classes to free up space in the other math classes. These students will be re-fed material they already hate. If you ask me, I’d rather take a 35+ class of freshmen geometry and a 20 class of repeating algebra students. These algebra students are the ones who need the most help, and it’s disheartening to know that this year will be an uphill struggle trying to provide every one of them the individual attention they deserve.