DEAR ALIZARIN: We don't need no education . . .

. . . but we can't escape thought control.

This seems to be the philosopy of the school district for Latino students. I subbed today for a colleague of mine who is on track and had to cover an extra class during my conference period.

One thing that never disappoints is the chaos of the front office (to be polite). When I first got the request, I sent it back as I had planned to meet with our literacy coach to talk about the district mandated curriculum -- what is working, what is not, and what should I expect when I return to work in two weeks. I received the request again, but wasn't sure if it was because they didn't know they sent it once or they really needed coverage. I called the front office, but, as frequently happens, no one answered, so I returned the request with a note. Then, the principal called me to tell me they really needed to cover the class. I have rarely spoken to our principal in the few years I have been here and found it odd and disconcerting that she would take upon herself to conduct such a menial task. I mean, shouldn't be running the school, not calling teachers? Weren’t there more important things for her to be addressing? And, if they had answered the phone when I called, it wouldn't be necessary to be calling me now. Did they think I was being rebellious and needed the boss to give me a good talking to?

So, I get to this class and find there are no lesson plans, no roster, and essential no class. There is a vhs copy of the movie Big with instructions that they are to finish watching the movie today. I ask the students who their teacher is and why they are watching this particular movie . They said they do not have a teacher. Today is August 11th and school started on July 5th. Apparently, they had a sub for a few weeks and then no one since then. I imagine there is probably random coverage (teachers babysitting during their conference periods). They had already started the movie and seemed excited about finishing it or else I might have whipped out my lesson on Tone again (where they listen to and discuss songs to understand what tone is in literature). When I spoke to my colleague that I was subbing for she said the school knew what was going on, that the long term sub did nothing but read the paper all day. When an English department member brought this up at the faculty meeting, apparently the principal's reply was that an English teacher told the sub this was acceptable and that they had no right to complain. That's team spirit for you. A few weeks later (maybe days since I am not sure when the meeting was), she is calling me to babysit them. Well, they really enjoyed the movies and it was one of the most polite classes I have ever covered. Maybe I'll volunteer to fill in if my conference matches up with their class (all means some nice extra pay for me, I will admit).

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We wonder why Joe Millionaire was such a hit.

At lunch I saw a few students who all complained how boring their new English teachers are BORINg-- the same complaint I heard all the time in class last year. I asked what they do and they said nothing. I happily reminded them this is exactly what they always begged me to do in class last year. Be careful what you wish for . . . It was nice to see them.

Thankful to have two more weeks off . . .

Lychee