Something happened last week. When I arrived to school early on Tuesday morning to read the sub report I discovered their behavior was worse than I even imagined it might be. Fifth period. Of course they were the worst but I was not expecting to such an extent. I warned the Tuesday sub about them and then scurried off to jury duty and hoped for the best.
On Wednesday, fifth period arrived and the sweetest girl in the class approached me and squeaked, "Are we in trouble?" I replied, "Yes." I gave them the speech that their behavior reflects poorly on the school, their teacher and themselves. Even if you feel the sub was rude you have to follow instructions and show respect." "Do I believe you were a rude class? Absolutely." They all knew it too. I was expecting to have to crack down pretty hard with them that day. Instead, they were like a brand new class. They took their notes quietly, were engaged in the lesson, asked questions, raised their hands to answer questions. Students who used to be openly defiant just for the sake of it are respecting me when I ask for silence. I have had high hopes in the past and the good behavior was generally fleeting but it has been a week now and I can say with some confidence that things may be better. That means only sixth period needs work.
Cautiously optimistic.
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