High Notes: High Stakes

The school year has its own rhythm to it. Some weeks move in melodic, harmonious verse and some in staccato. Being a teacher can often feel like leading an orchestra without sheet music. Or rather sheet music where the notes change as you play. But to be successful you have to improvise. With all the demands and rapidly shifting responsibilities, you must keep time and measure. Especially in January and June, as this is when the performance truly begins. It is testing season in most high school around the country. The rehearsals, mock test and drills, have prepared your students to play at their best. The stakes are high and your job is on the line. It is a tense time indeed. The pressure is on for you and your students to meet the standards as defined by the policymakers  who at times prefer to hear the same song over and over again.