Compliance means many things to many people based on the context within which it is used. A quick check for synonyms brought up these words - obedience, acquiescence, agreement, submission, amenability and passivity.
I spent the last 2 weekends working on Report Cards. I reported on Language, Mathematics, Science, History and Health. Last week, I was told that my report cards are not compliant since they are missing Oral Communication, Physical Education and Arts.
I have no students on camera - they have that choice. Only a handful of students use microphones and about half communicate via the public chat through typing. Students have been given choices based on equity and privacy and safety.
I like choices. However, compliance can’t exist perfectly with choice!
Given the circumstances we are in, people need to be flexible. The people who are making it a point to make a fuss about not receiving the best service possible - right now - need to really rethink what it means to be human.
When I go back to work on Monday, February 1, 2021, I would be tired from the weekend. My consolation would be that I survived 4 months of Virtual School … albeit with the dread of 5 more months to go! So, why don’t I quit? Because I have been waiting so long to do this job!
I never expected to get my first fulltime job in 19 years under these circumstances. I am new and I am old, but I am not about to give up!
I want to end this post on a happy note. Last week, I took a day off as I couldn’t see clearly with my right eye - it was the first day I took a day off since I started on October 1, 2020. I got the following note from one of my students. I am barely editing it as it is sweet and thoughtful, and it is a note from a 13 year old who really misses her “normal” life and can’t wait to go back to a “real” school, and yet she took the time to reach out to her teacher to give her strength. (Obviously, the names have been changed)
Hello Mrs. Momley! I noticed there was no meet today (it's 3am but we'll pretend it's still yesterday for the sake of this email sounding proper). Yesterday you mentioned that your eye was hurting and I just wanted to make sure that you're okay and feeling better. If not I really genuinely hope that you do end up feeling better. You are one of the best teachers I've had and I have been to a heap of schools. The class truly appreciates you even though they don't say it a lot. You are loved and cared about by all 24 of us and never forget it!
Sincerely,
Student
E :)
