Quote Originally Posted by uforgot View Post
Picture this: 30 students in an Algebra class, some have IEPS for behavior, reading or those who are otherwise mentally handicapped. You also have the kids who are brilliant, and average, in the same classroom of course. I'm expected to teach the same material to all. Yes, Algebra is a requirement for everyone, and starting next year, Geometry will be required for graduation in our district. Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but I feel like some students are being short changed their first couple of years in high school. I can't up the ante until they hit Trigonometry, in which case I tell them to buckle their seat belts.

Before you criticize, walk a mile in my shoes!
I'm surprised to hear you say this, at highschools around here we have several different "levels" including honors classes. That boring algebra class that i was in so many years ago (on the other side of the country) - that was a non-honors math class with middlish students in it. (the future blue collar workers were in another class, and so were the really sharp kids)