It was Friday of the second week in the computer aided drafting class at the continuation high school. I got a call from the counselor. It was about Travis.
I've had Travis in various classes over the years. He's nice enough, but with an Eddie Haskell vibe.
Week one in class Travis informed me that he was in class for "careers". (They are required to do five credits worth of careers at the school, the equivalent of a semester course.) He needed two more credits.
And this is where we all dropped the ball. I thought I was in the class for a week, so I didn't think too much of this. And Travis didn't press me on assigning him work worth two credits in careers. I thought he was getting those credits from another teacher. And Travis spent all his time in class playing computer games.
But on Friday, the counselor wanted to know what Travis had gotten done. He was supposed to graduate that day, and all he was missing were those two credits in careers.
Oops.
Yeah, he'd done nothing in class. Well, he'd half-assed a couple assignments, but nothing worth two credits.
Contacting the regular teacher was difficult because he was on jury duty. He wouldn't be able to see what Travis had submitted to him (via online means) until he was done for the day.
So, Travis missed his graduation date.
The way the continuation high school works, the students graduate as soon as they have completed their credits. So, Travis could graduate the following Monday if he manages to get those credits done. Or he could graduate Tuesday.
While I feel a bit bad for having not followed up on Travis' credits, I'm not terribly concerned about causing him to not graduate. Because he will. Just a bit later than originally expected. (At this point he's a fifth year senior, so it's not the first time he's missed a graduation date.)
By the way, the trial the teacher is on is dragging out. I'll be back the next week. I'll let you know if/when Travis does manage to graduate.
I hope he gets the credits and graduates.
ReplyDeleteStay tuned...
DeleteWow, that has to be some trial!! Travis, especially being a 5th year senior, should have taken some accountability himself with doing the work to get the credits. I do wonder what his career choice will be after he graduates though!
ReplyDeletebetty
I wonder how many chances these kids will expect to receive from their future employees???
ReplyDeleteI meant employers!
DeleteYeah, one hopes they learn their lessons after they graduate. I think those lessons might be a bit more painful, though.
DeleteWell, it's not on the substitute to know everything that's going on in the student's work schedules. He really should have said something about needing the work.
ReplyDeleteHi Liz - I too think Travis should be responsible ... but I hope he gets through ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHi Liz, Your way of looking at Travis' graduation is a healthy one. Nothing to worry, he will graduate, may be a few days later. Now hopefully, Travis has learnt a lesson, will be a lot more cautious and responsible next time round.
ReplyDeleteHas he learned a lesson? I rather doubt it. Alas, it's no longer my concern :)
DeleteWow. I cannot imagine what sort of future he has. I look forward to your update.
ReplyDeleteLike most of us, he'll figure something out. He'll succeed or fail on his own.
DeletePerhaps a good lesson and message to him about taking more control and responsibility for completing credits and assignments. Kids like this usually blame others rather than thinking about what they could have done differently.
ReplyDeleteYou'd think being that close to the end of school he'd have been motivated to finish his assessment. Maybe if he'd put the effort into the assessment he had rather than playing games/videos he'd have done enough. At some point they have to take responsibility for their lives themselves.
ReplyDeleteWow. That close to graduation and he chooses to play around? Just get it done and move on with life. That's ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteObvious, right? Apparently not to him...
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