We started the state, standardized testing last week. March is often hectic and the testing contributes to the craziness. We spend all year getting kids into a routine for structure and comfort. When testing comes around, we put the schedule into a Tupperware bowl, put the cover on, and shake it!
Many kids are out-of-sorts when there are changes in the schedule. MY students have a VERY difficult time. To make matters worse, when my students are having a tough time with the schedule change, staff are spread thin around the building to administer testing or assist in administration.
More stress, less support.
This is not anyone’s fault. The principal is doing the absolute best she can to support everyone, meet the requirements of the testing, and troubleshoot. Teachers are just trying to get it done…correctly. The students have done a beautiful job getting through the six days.
Today our six days of testing has come to a close. A wave of relief has washed over my body.
Congratulations! We start our state assessments in 10 days. After we just finished testing about 45% of our students with the mandatory English Learner assessment. So much testing! Your words, ” When testing comes around, we put the schedule into a Tupperware bowl, put the cover on, and shake it!” are so accurate.
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I wish that testing would be thrown out! It really has no purpose but to stress everyone out. Even though I don’t have to give the MEA’s, my class is not able to use classroom computers because the other grades are testing. It takes us out of our routines during Daily 5 and math work time.
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You must be relieved, now that it is all over. Thanks for writing about this experience. I find writing is a sort of balm and makes things a little better. Thanks for sharing
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