Every student needs a champion

This year, I am working in an inclusion Algebra class.  I love Algebra.  It is  a language.  It is  a thought pattern.  It has logic and  clarity.  You can go forwards and backwards.  I tell students it stretches your brain.  If you want to be a lawyer, you need Algebra to enhance your logical brain.  I love Algebra but teaching is not about the math.  It is about the students.

I was working on some data for my Algebra team and some paperwork we have to fill out.  We have two Algebra classes together and as the intervention specialist half of the team, I have students who I am dedicated to work with.  I work with all students but there are certain students I have on my radar.  It is my job to help them.  In review of the data, we have 1 class that is 50% Algebra repeaters.  Meaning half the class has  failed Algebra at least once before.

I have 2 students (one in each section) that are taking Algebra for the 4th time.  We have a mantra, me and the two students "We're not going to do Algebra again next year! We are gonna be done with Algebra this year!"  I tell them this as often as possible.  I tell them, that if they stick with me, they will pass.  If they show up and try, they will be done with Algebra.  So far, 6 weeks into the school year, we are making it.  I know 6 out of 36 weeks  does not seem like much.  It is the mostly review  part of the year.  The "honeymoon" period.  I have made a very big deal about  giving them as much positive reinforcement as possible. I am the queen of  fist bumps and  high fives.  I am continually reinforcing all of the  engagement they are showing in class.  I am visiting them in ISS making sure they don't think they are forgotten.  I am sitting with them and working on homework.  I am booking a weekly appointment with them to make sure they  know they can do the work. They need a champion.  They need to  be done with Algebra.

The irony of this situation is that I have worked with both of these students outside of the classroom in the past.  I don't think we ever really got along very well because I have expectations and they did not like the pressure of those expectations.  I think that both of them probably had a nervous breakdown when  they saw my name on their schedule the first day of school.  But I think, I have proven to them I am in their corner.  Even though I had a history with both students,  I do not let that  shade my vision of them.  We are going to get through this.  Every child needs a champion. Every child needs that person who gives them high fives and fist bumps and encouragement, whether they are on their first time through algebra or their 4th time.