Chattering

I am sitting in a class that should be quiet except for the noise of keys clicking on the key board as the students frantically race to finish their final attempt of their outline. I am amazed as I wonder around the room how few are near completion and  how many are visiting with their neighbor. I am not assigned to this class and the teacher is not one that welcomes help when paras are assigned to assist students in his class. I have learned years ago that it is best to take my students to another room whenever possible so that we may work in a more quiet environment.
I have noticed over the years that the students seem to have become more apathetic towards completing assignments these days. Mid-term grades come out today and the parent teacher conferences happen tonight and Thursday. Yesterday I observed many students checking their grades on the computer, some frantically trying to figure out where the missing assignments were so that they may turn them in as a last desperate attempt to bring them up. I have sat in the classes, hearing the teachers inform the students that all late work was due last week- at the end of the mid -term. I wish that many of these students cared throughout the grading period instead of just when grades are being sent to the parents.
It is days like this that make me wonder how I can motivate my own class of students to be come motivated learners throughout their educational career. I want them to become satisfied with the intrinsic rewards they will come to appreciate as they put forth their best efforts.
Well the chattering is getting quieter as the bell is getting to ring. The teacher is begging for the outlines and the line is very short to his area and getting very long to the door.
I hope parents show up tonite to the conferences and go to the polls to vote for the levy.