Chelsy Croson Student Teaching Weekly Log Week 9, 3/31/14-4/4/14

There was one main challenge this week with student teaching coupled with a ton of program accomplishments. Although attendance was quite frustrating this week, the amount of student progress was wonderful and outweighed this challenge. I felt frustrated with student attendance this week, as I repeated items in class for those not present when the initial instruction occurred. I need to remind myself that many students are missing classes due to circumstances that arise from living in poverty. It is also important to focus on the things I can do to better support the needs of each student, especially when they are gone due to transportation, childcare, health, or other issues outside of ones control. Financial instability can greatly affect the ability for students to maintain consistent attendance. I found out this week in addition to taking two classes, one of my students is working three jobs (60+ hours) to provide for her family that includes four children. This is not the first time I have heard a story like this; it will most likely not be the last. When a student is absent from class, it is important to extend concern for why he or she has missed and to provide support for how to catch him or her up. The accomplishments were tremendous this week. Fractions, though still not yet a favorite topic of many students, are becoming less of a scary thing for the Math 3 class. An exit slip asking about the process for multiplying and dividing fractions showed progress for many students (see attached example in email). Another positive item to keep in mind is the work ethic of so many students in this program. They are here to learn. They are working hard each day. They are making such positive strides towards many goals we have for them (course competencies, confidence in their abilities, plans after the HiSET). There is such camaraderie between students that was not as prevalent in the previous GED

program. Having a teacher concerned when a student is not in class is important to success, but having a peer ask about missing class is crucial. I feel as though providing sufficient time for students to get to know one another and to work together on problems can build, and definitely supports, this camaraderie. I am looking forward to another week in the classroom helping students reach their goals and another opportunity to grow as an educator to reach one of my own (masters degree here I come ).