In a nutshell, the point of school is to learn new things. If a teacher teaches something once, tests on it, and everyone fails, then no one learned it. Yes, the teacher taught the lesson and did what was required, but that's not the whole job. They've only done half of what is expected of them.
Maybe not every kid in the class failed the test. Let's say half passed. It should then be expected that the teacher go over the material again. In a new way, this time. Maybe using a more engaging or hands on approach. Teachers that notice the failures of their students, and go on, are not effective, and are not helping their students in any way.
If a student fails a test they should have the option to retake it. If this makes you uncomfortable because it's "not fair," make it for a lower grade, or make the test harder. Give them another chance to really learn what it is you wanted them to learn. If teachers don't give more opportunities to understand the material, they are failing their students.
For me, science was always a struggle. My biology teacher gave us the opportunity after every test to do corrections. We also had to explain why the right answer was the right answer. The corrections could be wrong and you could fix them as many times as needed. That was the year I did well in science. That was the only year. It took me longer to understand the concepts, but I was capable. I just needed to learn from my own mistakes.
If a student fails a test, or multiple tests, intervene. Ask them to stay after and say to them, "what do you need from me?" My Monday night professor does this with her students for reading comprehension. She offers different solutions for student's who have a tough time reading the novel. She has the audiobook, an outline of the chapters, and she also welcomes students into her classroom to read comfortably during a study hall.
This is the job of a teacher. Some students just need a little extra, and teachers need to pay attention to their students' needs. If a student knows that a teacher cares about them, I guarantee that they will do better in that class. It's about people, not programs. A teacher can teach the book and give out tests and input grades. Yes, they are doing their job. But, they could be doing it better.
Being a good teacher is hard, and it's a lot of work. Think of how rewarding it would be to have all 126 of your students really understand and enjoy what you are teaching them. This is fulfilling for you and for them. You can say that you did your job well, and they can take what they've learned and apply it for the rest of their lives. Always do the most that you can for your students. Help them when they need it, and encourage them when they don't. You never know what students are capable of until you allow them every opportunity to learn.
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