School Tales: A+

One of my favorite moments in teaching occurred this week. I gave my students a tough test last week on kitchen math: using equivalents make recipe conversions. Two-thirds failed; I only had seven A's out of 60 students. Even many of my usual over-achievers bombed the test. It just so happens, that my little trouble-making, weed-smoking, gangster got the HIGHEST grade of all of my students--a 98! My heart was swollen with pride for him. He did it! I made a big deal about it in class, told the A.P. to make a big deal about it (free ice cream), and I called home to let his mom know of his success. (After all, parents need to hear good things once in a while.) What a huge confidence booster for him. And in his own special, smart-alecky manner, I could tell he was pleased with himself :)