A difficult year for teachers

This has been a rough year. For the first time, eighth-graders who do not pass the TAKS cannot go to high school next year. The state, not having enough to do and therefore needing to add yet another twist to the TAKS game, added a requirement that seating charts must be completed in all testing areas, including the auditorium.

Added to the stress was the High School Redesign Project. This fiasco caused extraordinary stress among high school teachers and administrators in the district and also resulted in unnecessary ill feelings between parties involved. There was a sigh of relief from many in the district, including parents, when the decision was made that HSRP would not happen next year at Memorial, McHi and Rowe, and when we learned from Region One that an extension on possible implementation would not be granted. Finally, we thought, we can move forward together. After all, there are so many positive things happening in the district and so many ideas for improvement we felt certain we could pursue together.

But then the scheduling nightmare entered the scene. By this time of year, high school counselors are already well into the pre-registration process. Teachers know what the school day will look like and plans are underway to determine who will be teaching what courses the following year. But like so many other things this year, scheduling has turned into a nightmare.

Parents who have children graduating in the year 2011 and beyond must be familiar with what is called "four-by-four" and written as "4x4." This is the new state requirement that students take four years in all core areas: English, math, science and social studies. Current 10th-, 11th- and 12th-graders were required to take four years in the areas of English and social studies but only three in math and science. Because of 4x4, students graduating in 2011 and beyond will need 26 credits to graduate rather than the current 24-credit requirement.

Under MISD's current seven-period schedule, if a student does not fail any classes, that student will graduate with 28 credits, four more than needed. Under 4x4, that same student would still have two credits more than needed.

This becomes more complicated when you add in athletics, band and other elective courses students wish to take all four years. Under the current plan, students in these activities could not fail any courses (which is what we should expect of our students) and could be required to take summer school courses to fit everything in their schedules.

Thus, the district seems to have decided to go to an eight-period day. Ninth- and 10th-graders will need 26 and 11th- and 12th-graders will still need 24. Under an eight-period day, students will earn 32. The school day will likely be lengthened, as well.

To meet the requirements of an eight-period day, teachers will be teaching an additional class. Currently, MISD high school teachers teach five classes. Teachers who teach an additional class are paid $5,000, unless they teach math or science. These teachers earn an additional $7,000. We have heard teachers will not be receiving this additional pay next year. This means that teachers teaching six classes this year who have budgeted the additional $5,000 or $7,000 to care for themselves and their families will be taking quite a hit. A teacher who earns $45,000 per year will see an 11 to 15 percent reduction in salary. High school teachers in MISD have taught five classes for years. Suddenly we are to teach six classes, which means 20 to 30 additional students, 20 to 30 additional sets of parents, 20 to 30 additional papers to grade, forms to fill out, etc., all with no extra pay. Many are wondering if this is a business decision the district is making.

If it is indeed a business decision, should we not expect central office administrators in the district to take the same reduction in pay? Imagine what a cost savings to the district that would be.

Chris Ardis is a teacher with the McAllen school district. To reach her, send e-mail to cardis1022@aol.com.