Their words...

Recently on the Rochester City School District, 7th Grade English Language Arts, city wide midterm, the students where asked to write an essay on suggestions what they believe would help them be more successful students and prevent them from dropping out of school.

Here were eight of the most consistent items mentioned. The order of these items has no significance, as all of the items have equal value.

• On the first day of school the principal should introduce him or herself to all of the 7th graders
• Teacher and Administrators should bond with students
• Older students should be assigned as mentors to 7th graders
• Test should be referred to as a celebration of learning
• Students should be grouped in classes according to their ability or level
• Teachers and Administrators should assure students that they are not being given up on, even if this means going to their house and talking to their parents
• Have 8th grade students talk to 7th grade students at the beginning of the year and give them advice on how to be successful as 7th graders
• Try to work with kids instead of just kicking them out of the classroom right away

After reading what the students wrote, I thought to myself, is the district going to look at this information? And if they do are they going to use it? Is this question only on the exam to foster stronger student participation, because students will feel that their voices are going to be heard?

Not sure what, and if the district will use this information, but I know I have come away with some valuable insight that I plan to use to help build a stronger community next year.

Thanks 7th Graders, Class of 2012!

¡Viviendo el Sueño!
(Living the Dream!)

Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com