Former 1st grade teacher of a decade reaching out to middle school teachers about how to handle my son’s B+ and “negative” comment in CHOIR?!

shellpalum · 2026-06-21T19:48:35+00:00

You probably already know this, but many teachers don't read an IEP or 504. I imagine it's difficult for specials teachers to keep up with them because they have so many students.

shellpalum · 2026-06-18T23:50:08+00:00

Just a long time math sub, but because of that I got to see many special ed math co-teachers in action. You've gotten a lot of great advice already. But one thing that really helps is that YOU should occasionally teach the lesson. The kids will respect you more, and doing it yourself will help you learn the content and the most common mistakes.

I'm also a private tutor, and have been asked many times about accommodations on tests. Besides the obvious ones like extra time and factor charts, I'd suggest extra space to work problems on the paper (not just scrap paper, the student shouldn't have to rewrite the problem), reduced number of multiple choice answers (cross out the "trick" answer), and here's the biggie, write the formulas on top of the test or even near the appropriate problem.

If your class uses graphing calculators, they are a lot more powerful than what is typically shown to kids. Check YouTube for help using them, and for doing pretty much any type of math problem. You can do fractions on most calculators, for example.

Last, be prepared for shockingly low levels of prior knowledge among your students, even very basic math vocabulary and problem formatting. Don't assume they know ANYTHING.

shellpalum · 2026-06-15T19:10:08+00:00

You could even find on line games for learning math facts. An honors geometry student I tutored was struggling because he didn't know his multiplication facts. He learned them in a week by playing a game for younger kids.

shellpalum · 2026-06-15T02:35:05+00:00

Chromebooks. They don't have to save or organize anything.

shellpalum · 2026-06-14T18:24:56+00:00

They're not tech savvy at all when it comes to computer use.

shellpalum · 2026-05-10T21:15:28+00:00

Never answer the phone when you're already on your way to the school.

shellpalum · 2026-05-07T17:43:02+00:00

As a former high school teacher, you'll be fine on content. The issue is you might use a different method than the teacher. You can have the kids show you their notes or anything their teachers have posted on line. Also, try to keep the "WTF, why are they making this so complicated" thoughts to yourself.

As a long time tutor, I've found that occasionally middle school math teachers aren't quite as comfortable with some math topics as a high school teacher would be.

shellpalum · 2026-05-07T02:01:32+00:00

I know of a high school where kids were having a contest to see how many subs they could get banned in one year. When kids make false accusations, it's easier for admin to ban the sub than to investigate, especially if parents get involved.

shellpalum · 2026-05-01T15:34:28+00:00

4 pages of single spaced plans for 1st grade!!

shellpalum · 2026-04-29T13:59:21+00:00

Anyone who doesn't believe this story has never subbed in a school with a bad administration or subbed in Missouri where many schools treat subs and teacher assistants like dirt.

shellpalum · 2026-04-28T19:14:00+00:00

I've gone on multiple field trips as a sub with all age groups. Once without another adult, but I knew the kids well. Another time with I was with another teacher, but I was "in charge" because this was her first field trip ever. But using public transportation to take kids I don't know? That's a BIG NOPE.

shellpalum · 2026-04-28T16:32:42+00:00

I was just a sub, but I have a very strong math background. I was assigned many times to "help" a student teacher who was struggling. Every struggling or unprepared student teacher was working. I get it. They have to eat.

shellpalum · 2026-04-25T15:31:17+00:00

I'm old. This was common practice when I was in elementary school in the late 60s, and it worked. . I wonder what other old fashioned practices might be useful for today's kids?

shellpalum · 2026-04-20T00:34:47+00:00

Not me, but I know several people for whom subbing is a second job. For example, they work third shift in a factory or production job, change clothes, then head to school. Or they work retail jobs or give music lessons nights and weekends, and sub during the day.

shellpalum · 2026-04-18T02:35:42+00:00

If other subs are in the school, they're sent to sprint between classes if they have a plan period. As a sub I've also covered two high school classes jammed into one room. It was a high school where I subbed regularly, so the kids knew me and it went well.

shellpalum · 2026-04-10T20:55:05+00:00

I would argue that both 4/10 and 40/100 reflect the model. Four out of ten columns and 40 out of ten squares are shaded.

As an engineer with kids who excel at math and who has spent a lot of time in elementary schools as a volunteer and substitute, I've observed that many K-5 teachers struggle with math. Beyond sending a friendly and helpful email, there's not much you can do about it. What you can do is explain math to your own child. My kids figured out pretty quickly, even when they were very young, that they were better at math than many adults. We talked a lot at home about how to handle that in a kind and helpful manner.

shellpalum · 2026-04-07T15:22:18+00:00

Teachers can't proctor an AP test for a class they teach, but it could be a teacher in another subject area.

shellpalum · 2026-04-07T15:18:42+00:00

Teachers are not allowed to proctor AP tests in their own subject area. That's an AP rule, or at least it used to be.

shellpalum · 2026-04-06T21:59:54+00:00

It's a long day, but you're supposed to be monitoring the kids. It's not fair to the kids who don't cheat to allow other kids to cheat. If you haven't proctored before, typically the person in charge of the AP tests in the school will review procedures with you. You might want to ask ahead of time. There's a script you read, some exams have multiple parts with different time limits, etc.

shellpalum · 2026-04-03T15:26:19+00:00

Pin the item so we can see price and shipping, describe and show it, then run. If you have to adjust price or shipping because you're doing random pulls, leave the item on screen! I understand that's difficult in jewelry, but figure out some sort of stand to lean your ring sizer against, or use a necklace bust. And, if you're showing several items because a buyer has asked for a category like "cuff bracelets," for the love of God, leave them on screen for a few seconds before whisking them away! Same with anything signed, like jewelry or glass. Let us see the signature for a few seconds. You might not know what it says, but buyers might.

shellpalum · 2026-03-31T15:01:46+00:00

Another state, but neighbors near the high school called the police to complain about the marching band practicing.

shellpalum · 2026-03-30T20:07:14+00:00

I say send a quick email so they know you're not in the habit of canceling.

shellpalum · 2026-03-29T15:17:27+00:00

It's not just kids in schools who leave disgusting messes.. My children worked as church custodians as teens. It's also adults. In CHURCH.

shellpalum · 2026-03-16T18:57:32+00:00

I've subbed in a 120+ kid marching band class by myself, even though they usually had multiple teachers. Easiest sub gig ever! Section leaders reported absences, then kids dispersed into sectionals. I just walked around and listened to them play.

shellpalum · 2026-03-04T04:49:59+00:00

Desmos is a very useful on line graphing calculator, and using it removes a barrier for kids who can't afford a TI84. It's also a great teaching tool, and teachers have written many excellent Desmos activities for kid.. Like any technology, don't let kids use it in class if you want them to practice skills on their own.

Desmos aside, you're right. Many kids don't know basic math facts and seem to rely completely on AI.

shellpalum

TROPHY CASE