Observations

My students are only a few days away from T-Day....the dreaded English II state test. I think most of my kids are ready, although there are a few students I am convinced will probably never pass this lengthy exam. Some students read at the comprehension level of a fourth grader, while others do not even read at this level. Next year I plan to identify the students who have the most difficulty reading and work with them one day a week after school. I think this might mean the difference between passing and failing for a few students who would be willing to put in the time. Unfortunately, I feel as though few of my students are willing to invest their time in bettering their situation in life.

In both the classroom and the athletic field as a track coach, I have seen students fail to push themselves to achieve what they are capable of. Some students do seem to be lazy and/or disinterested. In track, this was particularly troubling, because kids who went out for the team did not have the tenacity to push themselves during workouts. Even my fastest runners seemed more intent on complaining and whining than improving their God-given abilities. Speaking with other track coaches, this is a state-wide problem. I tell my kids that if you to improve, you need to practice, whether it is in school, music, or sports. Unfortunately, the thing that many kids are practicing the most in the Delta is complaining.