Worked hard today at two major tasks before the school year starts- rewriting the Careers class curriculum and unwrapping the changes in the district's English curriculum. Even popped in on Sunday for the second interview with the new English teacher. We had great candidates for our three new hires and the decision was a tough one. However, we won either way.

Also have to pare down the space in my room. The tables will need to go and desks will be necessary to accommodate the 30 students we expect one period a day. May have to get creative to see how we can house that many students for that class. We shall see what ideas come up.

I am pleased with the direction we are heading with English, focusing on raising the expectations of the students without losing sight of their abilities and needs. By creating a full range of options, I expect that we will be able to lead the way for the other content areas.

Attendance will be the biggest change for the students. With the new six week class for all incoming students, attendance will be mandatory. They will be able to retake the course, and they must attend. I expect that when students realize that this is the key to the door, they will do what it takes to be successful. I know there will be no "gotchas" on this requirement, but it's been long overdue that we raise the bar on this predictor of success. As Woody Allen said, "Eighty percent of success is just showing up."