The first rotation is over and there is much to be reflected on. When I first began the QUEST program, I thought I wanted to teach prekindergarten or kindergarten. After six weeks with a fifth grade class I am planning on keeping my options open. The fifth grade class I had was so much fun that now I am thinking I would like to teach the older grades.

One challenge I had in this rotation was the testing. The fifth graders took two TAKS sample tests and the actual reading TAKS test. This took three full days of teaching away. Unfortunately the students did not do as well as expected on their reading TAKS test. This, of course, began the frenzy which I have never seen happen before. Every fifth grade teacher and the principals went in to overdrive. They visited classes daily, they quit teaching social studies entirely, and then incorporated reading in everything they taught. I took it as a learning opportunity and definately finished my Language Arts lessons.

Another challenge I faced was the resistance I faced creating my own lessons. Since I was in a departmentalized grade level I had to go to other classrooms to teach lessons. It was like all of the teachers were scared to let me teach. It seemed like they are so pressured that the teachers did not seem to be able to spare ten minutes. So, I taught what they wanted me to teach with as much enthusiasm and helped the students plow through their TAKS packets.

My personal goals for the next rotation are few but important. It is important to me to create my own lesson because if I do not, I will never know if the lessons I have been creating are effective or not. Another goal is not to get sick. Unfortunately I got the flu and was sick for a week. The final goal is to work on higher level thinking questions. One of the most made comments about the lessons I have taught is that I do not ask enough higher level thinking questions.

With that said, I am very glad spring break is here. I will be taking full advantage of the break by resting up for another rotation in a younger grade level.