[A Portrait]

Yesterday, after completing our corrective reading lesson, I gave the three students in my group the option of drawing on the chalkboard--yes, there's only a chalkboard in my room circa 1983--for the last 10 minutes of class. A comical portrait of Mr. Miller and his laptop was produced by one of my more advanced students:

If only my beard were that full...

Luckily, tomorrow is Hump Day of the third week of school. I'm slowly getting to know my students, their academic levels, and will soon begin working on my IEP (Individualized Education Plan) caseload. As a special education teacher, it is my responsibility to ensure that every student in my class and caseload is granted a "free and appropriate public education" based on his or her specific needs and disabilities. The process of reviewing each IEP to make sure it's updated and accurately reflecting both rigorous and measurable academic and behavioral goals, is extremely tedious but one of immense importance. I only hope that my learning curve is quick and that I can uphold my responsibility to these kids to the best of my ability. I guess we'll see...

In the pursuit,

SM

[Mi Bicicleta]

As I slowly blossom into a full blown Philadelphian, yesterday I'd say  I made some pretty significant strides. How, you ask? I invested in a light blue 1972 Schwinn Suburban 5-speed. Thanks to Jesse for his "graduation/birthday" contribution and keen eye, I made the transaction early last afternoon and decided to break-in my new gem. A solid 7 mile jaunt around Fairmount Park topped off my evening before I retreated to my lesson planning for today's exciting classroom adventures. How this will help me close the achievement gap, I'm unsure. But by golly, at least I've got a pretty steezy ride. 

Now she just needs a name...

In the pursuit,

SM