Thursday, May 22, 2025

Unexpected Sixth

Wednesday. Sixth period. And the class showed up... 

Sixth period is ELD. The English language development class. One of the major things that they had to do during my tenure in the class was to take the ELPAC. I couldn't give it, but I got questions from the students and from the counselors as to when the class would take it. 

Last week the assistant principal got back to me about it. He scheduled it for this week. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. He told me he would get back to me with more information, but he never did. He informed me that they would call the kiddos out of class, and there was nothing for me to do. Okay, then... 

Tuesday, I had four students in fifth period. (A few of them didn't have to take the test.) This was fine as I was expecting no class. I hadn't planned for them to do anything. (I had moved the plans for the day as ELPAC was to take priority.) 

But Wednesday, the kiddos showed up. They had been called out of class the previous day and had finished their test. 

Uh... 

Well, the actual lesson plan for the day was study hall. That's what Ms. A had originally scheduled. It was a "buffer day". She had put in an extra day just in case I got behind on Of Mice and Men. I hadn't. 

I had the next day's plan ready to go, though, too. So, I gave the kiddos the option. They could get the study hall day on Friday. They picked Wednesday. Fine by me. 

It would have been nice, though, if the assistant principal would have let me know that all the students would be tested on Tuesday. You know, so I could plan ahead. 

At least it's done. And as I get ready to leave this long-term assignment (when this post goes live, I'll have already left), it's good to know this major component did get completed. Even if I didn't have to do any of the actual work involved. 

16 comments:

  1. I really admire how you adapt with grace when plans change at the last minute. Your flexibility in turning an unexpected class into a productive session shows true dedication. New post: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2025/05/lochwinnoch-nature-reserve-travel-guide.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know about dedication. I just know that things go wrong and it's better to have back up plans just in case.

      Delete
  2. Good thing you’re flexible.

    On to the next assignment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And it's completely different. See my posts next week :)

      Delete
  3. Ah, communication breakdowns.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hmm, yes he should've informed you. I'm impressed that you plan things out so well, that's a good teacher - they are lucky to have you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't like flailing for something to do, so when I"m in a long term situation, I have options.

      Delete
  5. Nice you were able to stay until the end of that component. You do know how to think on your feet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It had to get done at some point. It was likely to happen on my tenure.

      Delete
  6. thecontemplativecat here. testing is always a miserable thing. When I was a long term sub for a 4th gr. 2nd language students. Of the 30, all but 4 students were fluent. But testing a ELD group would have to be awful. You are a brave soul.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn't have to do the testing. That would have made it way more difficult for me.

      Delete
  7. Yes, it would have been nice if he had let you know what was going on.

    ReplyDelete
  8. That was definitely an unexpected twist! At least the test got done, even if the communication could've been better. Glad the buffer day worked out!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I understand that the classrooms are entirely different there from what teachers like me are used to here in India.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It would be nice if we could get things more like what you know. I think that's not possible, though.

      Delete

I appreciate your comments.

I respond to comments* via email, unless your profile email is not enabled. Then, I'll reply in the comment thread. Eventually. Probably.

*Exception: I do not respond to "what if?" comments, but I do read them all. Those questions are open to your interpretation, and I don't wish to limit your imagination by what I thought the question was supposed to be.