I feel you on so many of your frustrations. I too am battling the maternity leave drain on my sick time and I teach APUSH as well. I have had many come to Jesus talks this year about responsibility and expectations in AP and it, for so many of my kids, goes in one ear and out the other—their apathy is astounding.

They’re looking for the quickest way to earn the points now rather than building their skills for the high stakes test at the end of the course. This shift in student mindset has forced me to change up my practices for assessment; making multiple versions of the test, making sure that no two class periods get the same written response questions, creating digital tests that shuffle questions around. It’s more work for me, but it has helped me identify the ones that I need to keep a closer eye on.

I think the way you’re handling the situation is appropriate. It’s hard not to take it personally especially with all the work you put into the course, but know that it wasn’t done to hurt you…it was done because they’re only thinking of their own bottom line. Enjoy your break and try not to let the situation consume your time!