27 Kindergarteners vs 15 Kindergarteners

Just looking at the numbers, one would intuitively lean toward the 15 kids as an easier class.  Having finished a six week sub job with 27 and moving almost immediately to sub in a class of 15, I found they are about equal. 

The 27 kids are all well supported at home with caring and engaged parents.  Most had pre-school (not daycare) before coming into Kindergarten and know their alphabet.  The class of 15 is almost completely the opposite.  They are not supported at home or have both parents working long hours.  They may have had daycare but very few had pre-school.  They come into Kindergarten needing to learn how to sit in circle time. When I give out instructions to the 27 kids (like sit in a circle), I can expect them understand what I mean and figure out how to sit in a circle around the carpet.  I can make no such assumptions for the class of 15.  Yes.  They are from different schools, different neighborhoods, and pull from different socio-economic demographics.

I give credit to the principals and administrators who recognize the different needs of their constituency and structure the classes to offer the right support.

The Universe is trying to tell me something

I just finished my six weeks long term sub assignment at my school Friday. All the parents, teachers, and the principal thought I was doing great. In fact, the principal invited me to interview for a ½ time job opening working with a teacher I know there. In anticipation of my getting hired, he even scheduled me for a meeting with him before the interview was even set up. Somehow, I blew it in the interview and they ended up hiring someone else. I feel so humiliated. Everyone, including me, thought I would get the job. I couldn’t believe my six weeks of stellar work did not stack up against a 20 minute interview.

He was kind enough to give me a debrief and said I just lacked literacy skills/component and the other candidates were stronger. I admit I did think afterwards I didn’t talk too much about literacy which was the job title. Someone also mentioned points so I guess in Seattle, they strive to be objective by using points. At least, this experience gave me an insight that using buzzwords identifying one’s knowledge about best practices/school district practices can make a difference.

Someone told me the Universe is trying to tell me something and perhaps it is.  On the home front, my hubby is sick and I found out yesterday my dog has bone cancer which is fatal.  I'm taking the week off to lick my wounds.