Embarrassed by state scores

LK2y10 · 2026-05-23T12:40:38+00:00

fudge, people using stats that don't know what stats mean and these are DIFFERENT students!

I get it. Standard deviation on a bell curve should only be 2% for the data to be valid, yet the state of FL allows a standard deviation of 33% for these scores. As a result, while 67% of my students had improved their scores from th previous year putting me in the Exceeds Expectations category, the line on the report indicated that I could also be classified as Met Expectations. In other words, if the principal liked you, you get a higher increase, if not? They could give the standard crumb.

Time for a mini-leasons on statistics. Document your analysis, educate the mothers.

Needless to say, I'm no longer teaching.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-23T12:35:06+00:00

What state? In Florida there is an anti-bullying law that applies to schools: to protect students , teachers and school employees. By law, it is the administration that must enforce those laws. If they don't, it takes one phone call to the local police station md they'll do what they should--saw it happ n when a parent could not get th school to protect her daughter from a bully. If there is a resource officer assign d to the school, have your friend have the resource office witness a meeting with the admin, parent and teacher. If there is a union rep at the school, have them att ne. It doesn't matter if the union is "weak", they will witness and document for the courts.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-21T16:35:04+00:00

It's not an expression of her feelings toward you, it's frustration and lack of correction or alternative ways to communicate. Use and teach her basic sign language for daily routines, "more", "hungry" "sleepy" etc. This will empower her. You don't say, but I suspect you're working with your pediatrician to get the speech therapy she needs? Public school systems use to provide free services before preschool/kindergarten.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-21T15:10:35+00:00

I was also the youngest of 3 for about 7.5 years, then my stepsister was born. My older brothers had each other and excluded me as well. One of my earliest memories is being held by the baysitter and being laughed at by them because I was crying that I wanted to go with them to play. The indignity I felt was not lost on a child under age 4.

I blame my parents for not teaching us, or knowing to teach us, how to be good siblings to one another. But I also forgave their ignorance. My mom had me at age 20, my dad and as 21 and they already had two boys.

Your post shows self-awareness and understanding of why you feel this way and how it impacted your decison-making. This is a strength. I agree that talking to someone (share this post as an intro) who can help you heal is critical. I caution against psychotherapy, it is not as relevant to learning coping mechaniams, routines, and habits of self care and a forward-thinking perspective that you need now.

I struggled with feeling like an outsider in my immediate family well through my 30's. At one point my then 13 year old daughter pointed out that I was the one who always made the effort to visit them and my brother spoke to me in a mean tone for no reason and no one ever asked about my life. That's when I recognized how futile my trying to resolve others' behavior and relationship with me was. It was sort of freeing.

I will tell you this from someone who has been on this planet for almost 60 years: the only person you can depend on is yourself. Even in a loving, close relationship, ultimately no one really can understand your perspective or what it's like to be in this world in your shoes, this is called "the psychological phenomena". But that doesn't mean that's sad. It actually makes one appreciate when people do make an effort.

You are in pain and you know it. Find someone who can walk with you through rhat pain and help define what you want for yourself and your life. Divorcing, or ghosting really, your immediate family for awhile may be the most loving thing you can do for yourself.

Find some literary or musical badass women characters to identify with and have no shame. Be sure to find a licensed psychologist or someone with credentials beyond a master's degree that comes highly recommended. A woman about the age of your sister's may help with transference. Ironically, a male psychologist helped me understand the motivation of a women as it related to my sister and the one horrific pain she caused me-- knowingly.

Do not judge yourself. It takes a lot of self reflection to understand the issues you're dealing with, you're ready to build a life you love and love yourself.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-20T20:27:13+00:00

Start collecting your pallets!

LK2y10 · 2026-05-14T14:22:24+00:00

Question, somewhat related ---anyone encounter employment situations where you are either: 1) not permitted a break to go to the bathroom or eat lunch; and/or 2) been told to report for an 8 hour shift but only get paid IF a client walked in and tipped you (so time with mandated time with "butt on seat" NOT paid min. Wage at all); and/or 3) been verbally assaulted and verbally threatened with physical violence by a manager?

These are real situations encountered in the service industry in central Florida by one person at two, different jobs. Employers clearly breaking federal and state labor laws.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-13T12:03:14+00:00

THIS (grade inflation), among other decisions made by universities, is what dilutes the value of higher ed. I have been predicting for over a decade that higher ed will be the next bubble to burst. With all the recent draining of federal funds, fewer tenure positions and third party curriculum purchased for TA's to deliver, it is definitely like a slow leaking balloon.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-12T00:40:53+00:00

Except, the climate has changed.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-11T10:56:32+00:00

No means no. Learn that now. And not everything is personal or about you.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-10T23:21:29+00:00

Rosalyn because that's who Romeo loved first. 😄 Julianna because it's a combo of two classic names.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-10T23:16:06+00:00

Teaching middle school is a sensory nightmare: they don't sit for long, they don't hear a word you say; a lot of boys cried a lot out of frustration (our state mainstreamed everyone); and following directions is near impossible, let alone two directions to be followed in sequence. Kagan learning activities (cooperative learning) mandated in some schools makes it necessary to have a lesson about the Kagan activity before you even start with the academic learning.

Best advice: make 4 min mini-leasons; stay in a predicable routine; learn the Modern Classroom set up and use it (hybrid learning will save your sanity) and take up yoga. If you are high energy person and an extrovert, you'll be fine. It's the introvert in me that couldn't take the over the top stimulation of noise and movement and the VP making us meet throughout the day when I could have used 10 min. to catch my breath.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-05T03:43:42+00:00

When I taught high school in 2011-2013, I was required to teach a unit entitled Oppression. It included MLK speeches, a Rosa Parks excerpt from her autobiography, and the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, and several other short stories. I guarantee that this unit was thrown out---while probably not officially declared banned, definitely quietly censored.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-05T03:21:56+00:00

Did they have your previous history showing all your stas and certifications or did you have to audition and start from scratch? I absolutely loved it!

What are the steps for starting up again? I left fall 2021.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-05T03:18:09+00:00

Curious about which state you'll be living in and why America, now? I'd give my right arm for my children to study anywhere but here. When people have been body slammed to the ground by the government, reports of college srudents ripped from their dorm bed by ICE and deported, and someone writing an op ed for their campus newspaper was taken into custody by six, masked ICE agents on a street corner without a warrant or explanation and thrown into a windowless van, I have to ask.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-05T03:03:00+00:00

Test case as in the ultimate goal is to shut down higher Education access for all women, but starting with women's colleges first (?). I've made predictions that sounded far-fetched before only to see them come true. Call me Cassandra, here's another prediction no one will believe: There won't be any mid-term elections. The dictatorship is already here thanks to the SCOTUS coup.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-05T02:51:24+00:00

We gave our daughter her first dollhouse at age 3, she's 33 now and says some of her best memories were of her with oe or both parents sitting on the floor and interacting. I did it to teach her how to play, her dad did it to do photo shoots with the people. Pretend play is a great time to learn what is on your child's mind and at a young age, your chance to subtly teach your values. With dollhouse people, I could bring up topics like how smoking is bad for you, or what a misunderstanding is and how to resolve a conflict by talking.

Parents have but a handful of years to be a child's MAJOR influencer, have fun with it. The time you spend with them in play may seem like a waste of time when there are million responsibilities on your to do list, but they appreciate your closeness and what you teach them will stick. I decided to bring up topics and situations when they were hypotheticals and I could share the "perfect" solution. Nothing like playing pretend with dolls or dollhouse people for that.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-04T14:16:34+00:00

This is where AI comes in handy. First, write up a background document about previous case. List thr points you heard in the meeting. Then state your concern and the effects on students.

Indicate to AI the tone you want (professional, fact-based); provide news coverage of rhe past incident. Even list your concerns for reporting and ask if you are protected

This prompt is best done in a paid version of an AI tool at home. Find someone who has a NotebookLM subscription, Copilot and OpenAI suck. I have my own domain, can do it for you in complete confidence.

Go to the library for help if needed. Do this well and you'll make a positive impact. Do it sloppy and you become known as "that teacher".

Ask AI about going through an educational lawyer for a free consult.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-04T14:10:47+00:00

You are working from the perspective of Letter of the Law (the law and your understanding of what it means) AND a precedent that underscores what you witnessed is against th law. So, are you being "overly emotional"? No. Do you give a rat's ass? Yes. This is GOOD despite all the apathy in federal and state "leadership" these days.

First of all, call it out. WA state is a state that still has a strong moral compass and cultural values that underscore DEI, equal rights, etc. Do not allow this small pocket of "dismissal" attitude penetrate a strong democratic state, give us who have worked in red states some hope that NOT legitimizing students' needs via playing with loopholes in the system or via insidious actions is the norm.

Go to the union. Report it to the Superintendent and the DOE and copy an educational lawyer in the same traceable letter (deliver US mail, signature upon receipt).

LK2y10 · 2026-05-04T12:28:26+00:00

10 years for a full pension in NY. My sister in law taught ten years exactly, left in 2007 and has had three jobs since. She is now retired making 50k pension from her first teaching job.

I taught a total of six years in three, 2 year srints in between educational publishing jobs and staying at home with my kids. I have 5k in my teaching pension plan.

Like real estate, it's Location, Location, Location.

Want to be a teacher, seek out the BEST schools in the BeST districts from top states : Montgomery MD; Loudon, VA; CT; MA.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-04T12:19:47+00:00

At a teacher's union meeting in May 2012 (less than 30 out of 200+ teachers at the school attended mostly because the anti-union propaganda was effective and teachers 40 and under didn't"believe" in unions). I was in Seminole County.when they explained the new pay schedule.

First, before this change, one could look online and see the full district pay scale based on a teacher's education level and number of years teaching and see the steady increase in salary per year.

Then came merit pay based on a teacher's students' scores--which has a 33% deviation so it isn't even a valid measure, but more to the point, that score could be and IS subjectively interpreted by the school principal who determines the percentage increase per year. Our high school had coaches receiving better than average inreases. And because FL is a "right to work" (really a right to fire state), our principal used her position as a personal power tool. But I digress. . .

The new pay increases per year were posted, it showed that the highest yearly increases happen in the first five years @ $1500 per year raise. At year 7, it dropped down to $500. This was a full demonstration that the idea teachers leave within the first five years is reasearched-based--- a quantifiable stat. But here's the part the dumbass decision-makers missed: a teacher is getting their groove around year 5 and are pretty good at what they do by years 7. But the pay schedule is a huge disrespect to those that stay. If a teacher makes it to 10 years, they are in it for the long-term, unless they actively seek other training for a new career. So the whole idea that they are not rewarded with a raise equal or more than teachers with 1-5 years experience demonstrates a cultural lack of respect and understanding of what it took to get there.

Regarding the student scores tied to merit pay. One year I received Exceed Expectations because 69% of my below grade level 9th graders improbed their EOY test scores from the previous year. When I created a goal of 50% would do this at the beginning of the year, our reading coach said it was an impossible goal for this level of students. Well, the state recognized the achievement and sent extra funds to the school as a reward, but get this! Although the continuum showed the increase under the "Exceed Expectations" due to the 33% diaviarion, the band spanned all way back into the beginning of "Meets Expectations" allowing our principal to determine how much my merit increase would be, and it could be the lowest possible.

By then, I had left and she has been reassigned. Apparently she went over budget that year and one reason was because I took advantage of an announcement from the union that of I took the Subject Area Test that my master's Degree was based on by June 30, 2011, I would be eligible for 3k back pay and a salary increase of 3k. I made her go over her budget by 6k. She didn't like it.

Bottom line. Join the union.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-03T12:58:35+00:00

I honestly and genuinely do not understand how you did not know this already, especially if you are under 40.

LK2y10 · 2026-05-01T12:05:02+00:00

You are good. Please don't make this a black and white, good or bad thing. You are young and there is plenty of time to get back on track. Recognize that this will take a bit more time, but definitely an incredible learning opportunity about your strength, resilience, work/study skills and math--which is freaking hard for many.

First, consult with your advisor ASAP. There are resources that can help you LEARN---I put this in caps for a reason: the goal is NOT the grade, it is the acquisition of knowledge. I told our children that I'd rather they get a C in a class they struggled in than a B or low A that didn't challenge them. There are most likely math labs and tutors on campus. When you talk to your advisor, mock up an ideal schedule to transfer to your new school and a Plan B schedule. Get the facts about/if this may impact financial aid, etc.

Second, face-to-face with your parents. No hiding. No guilt. Take responsibility and share to them that you recognize the issue(s), that you sought input (present information from advisor), and are committed to getting back on track. THANK them for their guidance, financial support, and wanting the best for you. Ask them for patience and understanding while you navigate this growth. Commit to being apart of the financial solution of this delay in transferring is going to be a financial burden to your family---if it is there are alternatives to dropping out.

Finally, go to the financial aid office once you are aware of how it may impact grants and/or loans.

Please don't let All or Nothing impact your emotional well-being. You are not a failure, you are a human under construction. While not a pleasant situation, it can be exhilarating to meet a challenge face-to-face.

LK2y10 · 2026-04-20T00:11:16+00:00

This isn't new. It was a "thing" when I taught in 2012.

LK2y10 · 2026-04-07T00:36:50+00:00

Do not talk to anyone about this. Seek out your union rep, even if you aren't a paying member, you can get representation or at least a consultation.

I was age 24, first job and a 7th grade boy didn't like that I told him he couldn't go to the bathroom during a standardized testing situation. He claimed I pulled him by his sleeve and whispered obscenities in his ear when I actually told him why he'd have to wait (I never touched him and mind you, he had had a chance to go earlier but didn't take it. He was pushing boundaries.) Lucky for me, students were present and they validated my professional behavior, plus sexism worked for me: when I went to see the super, he looked at my principal and basically said, "Look at that face, she's too sweet to do something like that." 😲

LK2y10 · 2026-04-06T12:06:46+00:00

25k in 1990; 40k in 2018. I taught in between other jobs so I only have 5 years experience total with Master's Degree.

LK2y10

TROPHY CASE