Then there's the little second generation hoodlums in my class who, this very day, right in front of me, simply folded their arms, put down their heads, and went to sleep on top of the test. I woke them up, urged them to do their best, and they smiled apologetically, nodded... and put their heads down again. I sent them to the counselor and she urged them to do their best and sent them back. They put their heads down again. I ... just... have to find a different job!
Your sleeping hoodlum will sleep throughout his life, and be content. You are there for the ONE or two students who are listening, who will learn from you and will go out and make the world different.
I tutor some kids who are in the inner-city schools. Good kids, disgusted by this very thing. I hear the most outrageous things -- one, who does her homework, is threatened by others: "We will hurt you if you don't give us your homework to copy." Another is disgusted because one kid insists on disrupting the class and the teacher does nothing.
Look for the ALIVE students; take them aside; mentor them with all you have in you. THIS is the reason you are there.
Speak to your Union about that policy. They were first and foremost in fighting against reform of this under prop. 87, suing, along with the ACLU, to strike those provisions. They were successful.
That's what happens when funding is based on warm butts in seats coming in and not quality of results going out.
You are a hero.
The churches in our nation need to grow a spine and stop lobbying Congress about prayer in school and instead, start putting the money into starting their own local schools!