As Students Come and Go...

I don’t know to what extent this is true in every school, and I’m sure it varies somewhat depending on the socioeconomic status of the students, but the population in some of the classes I am teaching is continually shifting. New students come in, other students leave, and this constantly changes the dynamics of the classroom. New students come from a variety of circumstances and different educational backgrounds. For them, adjustment to a new class can be difficult. Alternatively, some students with whom you have worked to build rapport with are suddenly gone one day, with no prior warning. In many of these cases, you will find that you wish you could have one last discussion with the students to help them along their way.

In addition to emotional considerations, there are some logistical concerns as well. When a new student comes in shortly before a grading period ends, you must find a way to assess the student in order to give him or her a fair grade. Sometimes, the student’s grades will transfer with him or her; sometimes they won’t. You can’t base a report card grade off of an assignment or two, so make sure you find a way to help the student succeed. This can require some imagination, since you cannot punish the child for moving into your course by assigning him or her extra work to do. It is also challenging to help a student succeed when they haven’t gained the prior knowledge that you have helped the rest of the class build. There might have been a completely different curriculum with different objectives in the student’s prior class. Classroom management will fluctuate as students exit or enter the class, and you will need to adapt to the new classroom dynamic. A single student can make a huge difference in the atmosphere of a class.

If this constant class flux has taught me anything, it’s that it is necessary to treat all students the way I treat those I love: anytime you see someone might be the last, so be kind and helpful. That troublemaker in your class today might be someone else’s troublemaker tomorrow. Do your best to reach that child. If you don’t, no one else might either. Never lose an opportunity to reach a student. Often, the kids who are the most difficult are the ones who need the most support.

Savvy suggestion: When new students enter your classroom, introduce them - but don't make them stand up in front of the class and talk about themselves. They are probably uncomfortable entering a new class (it's much more stressful than when everyone is in the same situation on the first day of school) and they are already aware of everyone staring at them. Putting them on the spot can backfire, and you don't want to begin your relationship by making them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.