Starting up

Hey all! 

Megan Rohwer from Park Center Senior High School here. 

So I won't lie.  I probably would not have this site if not for an AWESOME chance to win a Kindle (and of course a chance to learn about technology and how to use it in the classroom).  This is my 6th year at Park Center.  I have taught 10th English, 11th English, 12th English, journalism, AP 11, writing interventions, reading interventions and English/Read 12 in my years here.  I like to think that I am the current expert on English/Reading 12 as I have been the only teacher to do it recently at Park Center.  Because English/Read is the impetus for the title of my blog, let me tell you about it.

English/Reading 12 is a class for 12th graders who have not yet passed the MCA GRAD reading test.  If they do not pass it, they will NOT graduate (or so that's the rumor.  A bit more research must be done as I KNOW I have students who have NOT passed it applying for community colleges and getting in!??!).  In this course I am supposed to teach students the reading skills they need to pass the test ALONG with grade 12 literature ALONG with writing skills.  Typing it, it doesn't seem like a lot.  Add in that it feels as though 80% of them are reluctant learners...and well, it's a challenge. 

Moral of the story?  Just read.  98% of my English/Reading students tell me, "I hate reading."  Read to your kids, read to your neighbors, read to strangers.  Just read.