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not-a-saintjames:

Well that depends on one’s level of success.  This town still has lawyers, doctors, accountants, and all sorts of college-level occupations, so obviously some successful graduates made it through and transferred here.  Therefore, you’d imagine they would understand the level of academic achievement necessary to move forward and succeed in life, and pass that along to their children for their own sake.  If they don’t, then that’s once again on their own stupidity, and not because of their choice of residence.  There’s nothing natural about it.  And while I admit I was obviously above the bar in both efficiency and drive, I was hardly the only one.  At Akron, students cared about their future, and their work reflected that.

I think all of the above.  Too many teachers are simply allowing students to pass by with the bare minimum of work, and administration is making too many exceptions in order to prevent failure from students who clearly haven’t earned their degree.  It’s like the entire public education system gave up, which, while I can sympathize after working with these youths for barely a year, still seems completely unacceptable.  I thought that rumor was about mononucleosis?  An incorrect diagnosis, and still not VD, but setting the record straight involves being able to understand where the discrepancies began.

Right. Well... Maybe it’s just a change of pace or something? You ever have those moments where you pass by one city block and all of a sudden it’s like an entirely different town? Could be the same sorta thing here. What you experienced not too far from here could be different? I dunno, but I’ll still agree that some of these kids aren’t exactly the best when it comes to prepping for their future, even the ones that wanna get into law or med programs.

The rumor is about mono, yeah. Any sort of ‘contact’, kissing, whatever, they say. But I know what I said. If that doesn’t say something about what level some of these kids were first day, I dunno what will. It’s a shame too. Personality might not get ‘em into college, but they really are great kids. 

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not-a-saintjames:

I don’t appreciate lazy people who waste my time with their stupidity, no.  “Least try-hard places to live”?  What is that exactly supposed to mean?  That because they live in this rural wasteland, they’re somehow predestined to be apathetic to life?  I went to school not far from here, and I obviously was of no such standard.  Perhaps the reason they’re all at such a low level of achievement is because those meant to be mentoring them are simply allowing them to pass through the system unchecked, excusing it as an unalterable state.  I won’t simply allow my standards to diminish because of their idiocy and contribute to the depreciating intelligence of the country as a whole. 

However, if I see potential, I certainly seize upon it.  I don’t let talent pass by unaided.

It means that... When you finish college, nobody super successful chooses here to live, so it’s gonna be harder to find talented people than say New York. That’s just how it is man. Didn’t say they don’t exist, but it’s gonna be naturally harder. And if you’re sayin’ you were amazing, then you took up one of the ‘rare’ slots for talent. Probably terribly explained, but hey, there’s some logic I think.

So you think that some teachers aren’t doing enough, or is that an administration and higher up sorta thing? If you’ve got ideas, wouldn’t mind hearing them out. I will say that to some extent I agree. This is coming from the teacher that started off with a class who thought pneumonia was a sexually transmitted disease. 

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squaredancing-weston:

Well, I guess if it works, it works, right?  I mean, I certainly can’t talk, being known as the “Easy A” class myself.  Although we have one textbook, so it’s definitely less reading.  So you have them read all of the books then pick one to do a project on?  How do you know they do any of the other readings?

No, I definitely understand the point of a reference letter.  I’ve just never had anyone from a class asking me for one, honestly.  Most of my kids that need references want someone that can give more of a personalized voucher, which is usually based off of the fact that they’ve got extra-curriculars to demonstrate their work ethic or comprehension of the subject at hand by someone that can write a more personalized letter about them.  So lots of Aggies– pretty much zero math students.

I’m sure your class isn’t that much of an Easy A. Though it does earn you points sometimes as the teacher of an Easy A course. As far as knowing whether or not they’ve done their readings, it’s pretty simple actually. Obviously excluding the final exam, which we know weeds out the keeners from the slackers, I give some mini tests after every couple of plays. Pop quizzes really. They know they will happen at some point throughout the semester, so it’s fair game since they were warned.

I guess that’s fair. I just figure if it’s an academic thing, I can provide my services with recommendations. To be fair, some of these kids might end up doing some performing for me anyway, so the extra-curriculars might tie in. You’ve never had a math student ask you for a recommendation before though? Huh. I guess it might be because everybody wants to get into English because it’s ‘easy’ so whatever letters they can get they take?

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not-a-saintjames:

I mean, it certainly wasn’t difficult to come across when I was in high school, but here?  I’ve seen more ambition from the gum under the desks.  Shining stars?  I have some that have a vague potential to them, and certainly the majority I anticipate will pass, but none that have shown any effort to go above and beyond what’s expected in the syllabus.  I personally imagine it’s simply the result of the population redneck representation, if we’re being realistic

Damn man. You really don’t like these kids huh. To be fair, we’re also in one of America’s least try-hard places to live, I’m sure. It’s trying so little that people don’t even know where this place is. It kinda fits. Just... Maybe be open minded to finding that one kid. If I can find one super kid, I’m sure there’s another in this school somewhere, right? Rare, but... Somewhere. Things are definitely different.

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squaredancing-weston:

You mean you designed your curriculum without deciding?  Wow…that’s brave, Spence.

Well, I mean– if he asks for it, absolutely.  Assuming that he’s actually demonstrated his skill as a student.  I don’t usually get //class// students to ask for references, but if he won you over, go for it.

Not exactly. I do have creative work as an assignment for any play they choose. The course is designed moreso for pick and choose as long as everything is done. They need a close passage analysis, a creative assignment, one summary in ‘modern’ language, and a final essay. It’s actually a decently easy course, just a lot of reading.

I’d like to think a reference letter as one of the best students work-ethics wise I’ve ever had could definitely help if they wanna get into an English problem of any sort. Maybe more than just that. 

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not-a-saintjames:

Well, good for you, I guess.  I can guarantee you that said student is not in my class.  The majority of these kids wouldn’t be able to program their way out of a paper bag, much less do all of the work ahead of time. 

It’s rare, I know. So what you’re saying is you don’t have any shining stars in your class? None at all? That’s gotta be an unlucky draw or something man.

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squaredancing-weston:

Man, that’s a courseload…so if he’s done with everything, does that mean you’re not testing, or only having the final, or…?  I mean, I admit I’m curious on how you plan on demonstrating comprehension, honestly.

I’m on the fence. He did some creative work to really get the brain power flowing and it pretty much looks like he’s done well. He’s gotta stay in my class until the end of the year, obviously. So I’m thinking I might give him an early final exam, then give him extra credit work or more plays to read. Heck, at this point, I’m so impressed, I’d gladly write him a letter of reference for whatever college he’s applying to later on. This kid’s got me impressed so I think he’s earned it.

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sebadasssmythe:

Well then you’re welcome. Although I’m not sure how you managed to go this long without realising it. What you need is a miracle, Spence. 

Should I be getting the genie lamp, lucky clovers and rabbits’ feet now? It’s not that bad is all. There’s some good kids in the group. Part doesn’t speak for the whole and all that.

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not-a-saintjames:

Did you remember to check and actually make certain he did the work?  I have a feeling SparkNotes probably came heavily into play here. 

Yeah actually. Because some of the assignments were creative aspects. And honestly, it doesn’t look like they were plagiarized in any way. He drew out the death scenes of Hamlet in order, comic book style. Can’t say I’m not impressed at all. Guy’s got talent.

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missquinnstrue:

No, they aren’t. Probably because those who are welcome in your home aren’t afraid to announce their impending visit. But a hug might be nice. 

I can make that happen then Fabray. Just name the time and place. I might bring you somethin’ coffee-wise too if you’re real nice.

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squaredancing-weston:

So he read all twelve books?  Damn.  Which ones did you end up going with?

Wish any of my kids were half that motivated.

Yeah. He did. In order, I have:

Twelfth Night Hamlet Merchant of Venice Macbeth Richard II Cymbeline The Winter’s Tale Midsummer Night’s Dream Henry IV (1) All’s Well That Ends Well Othello Romeo and Juliet

That was sort of as balanced as I could get it. I don’t expect them to read Cymbeline or Merchant really... But hopefully sprinkling in the easier or more obvious plays next to hard ones will relieve them. Plus Romeo and Juliet at the end. Probably won’t be forcing them to read it since they’ll just wanna get out during the summer. I figure this’ll get them motivated a bit?

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missdanirockinramirez:

Damn, man. That’s surprising. Rarely do those kinds of students come along.

Exactly! Am I lucky then? Can I clone the kid? Wouldn’t mind sharing the wealth around with you guys. It’s like the jackpot of students.

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mr-ryderlynn:

Believe it, Spence, I meant it. Good to know but I’m not mocking. Oh god, that’s the last thing I want.

Then watch your back Lynn. Either way, I’ve got ideas now, and I might need a lovable victim.

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Well you confirmed it to me man! I think it was... An honorable duty for you to have made it evident. Someone's gotta make me aware. I still have a lot of work to do to get 'em up to standards!

Something I never thought I’d hear from a kid: ‘I did the entire semester’s homework already’. And it was legitimately. I’m pretty impressed. The kid really wanted to get ahead with Shakespeare. I’ve clearly got some of the best kids… Except for the Sex. Ed ones… Sebastian basically confirmed that one.

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Something I never thought I’d hear from a kid: ‘I did the entire semester’s homework already’. And it was legitimately. I’m pretty impressed. The kid really wanted to get ahead with Shakespeare. I’ve clearly got some of the best kids... Except for the Sex. Ed ones... Sebastian basically confirmed that one.

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mr-ryderlynn:

Hey that’s me, always looking to help out. I can’t imagine it’s that dire a situation, Spence, and I’m not laughing. Really. I’d expect nothing less from you, and I mean that sincerely.

I still can’t believe you with that face of yours, Lynn. I’m watching you. Always watching! If I find out you’re mockin’ me... It’ll come back in TP-ed classroom form.

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squaredancing-weston:

Well, I guess I’d just say be careful with that mindset, if I was one to offer advice.  Which, I’ll admit, real advice isn’t really my forte.  I’m sure you got something going for you Spence;  it’s all in the presentation.

Yeah, I’d get behind that.  And I’m definitely not planning on dating any of them, so I don’t think rating is in the cards unless I want to get bitch-slapped.  

A guy at Scandals ordered a Bloody Mary?  Man, you sure he wasn’t wasted, because this sounds like one of those set-ups.  I can appreciate a good mixed drink myself– sunrises and sex on the beach and whatnot– even if they’re not my go to’s.   But to each his own, absolutely.

So besides bad pity sex, anything else propping up your social calendar there, Spencer?

Hey, Weston. Your advice has been real great so far, really. It’s cool. Anything helps, and I think I’ve got the presentation down for the most part. Still, don’t worry about not giving me sound advice. Haven’t steered me wrong yet I think. As for a little advice from me, yeah, stay away from the bitch slapping. You’ve got a pretty face there.

He did order a Bloody Mary. I... Wasn’t completely sure? But you know he was able to talk fairly well and didn’t seem too drunk so. I’m gonna bet on him being at least moderately sober. I drank more than him anyway. And you know I love a good drink.

As for social calendar, I’ve got mostly free days. Still scoping some things out. I might have to go and visit the family, since they don’t really wanna be seen here. Lima’s not the greatest for the party scene anyway. I’m sure you understand. Unless it’s one of us throwing it.