During this time, we have a lot of time to think....a lot! As I was walking the aisles of my classroom this week, I chuckled (in my mind of course) as I realized that my thoughts were so random. I decided then that I MUST write a blog post to try to capture a glimpse into a teacher's mind during state testing. The thoughts are random, and they certainly don't follow the same train of thought throughout the entire duration of a section. Here's a little peek into a teacher's mind while "actively monitoring" students taking state assessments:
"Okay, here we go. I hope I've taught them everything they need to know. Shoot! I hope they remember everything that I've taught them. Oh no! Johnny can't have already answered 6 questions in the first minute! What are you doing child?! Well, I guess I'll know why his scores come back lower. I think I want to have a western theme in my classroom next year, wait, maybe that's too babyish. Maybe I should do a CSI theme. Oh look at little Lucy! She is really working hard to use her scratch paper. Wow! Look at her go! Yay! Uh, oh. Who sneezed? I bet they need a tissue. Let me quickly tiptoe over to my desk and get one for them. Geez! Johnny can't be on number 20 already! He's going to bomb this section for sure. I wonder what grade level I'll be in next year. I wonder if I'll have to change classrooms. Let me check the time, surely it's been 45 minutes already...shoot! No way it's only been 30 minutes. Let me walk around the room and check the time again to time my laps. And, go! Oh no! Joe isn't focused. Quit playing with your pencil dude! Let me go over there and pat his back. Oh yeah, I need to check the time again. Shoot! It's only been 2 minutes. Man, my feet are tired already. I knew I should have worn different shoes today. What was I thinking? It'd be nice if I could sit down for a few minutes. Do I see a hand or is she stretching? Yep, definitely a hand. That child knows I can't help them with that word. Let me check the time again...yes! Finally, 45 minutes! Let the countdown begin. I think we should watch a movie for the rest of the afternoon; we can't though because I still need to review for Social Studies. Goodness, Evan and Lola are still working so hard; why couldn't the others work that hard? Time check - 50 minutes. Whew! Almost there. If I'm still in this room next year, I think I'm going to hand the Writing Process over here and my anchor charts there. Maybe I'll move that table over by the door. Ok, so Evan just finished. Now we're just waiting on the time and Lola. I know Joe did not just try to make Annie laugh. There that look fixed that problem. Time could not be moving any slower! Tick, tock. Tick, tock. I seriously think that we're going to just have a little free time when we finish. Their little brains are fried! Time check - 59 minutes. Yes! Come on sweet Lola! As soon as you finish, we'll be ready to stop! Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Is she finished? Yes! I think she is! Time check - 60 minutes! Hallelujah! Another section bites the dust!"
Okay, so your thoughts may not be exactly like these, but you have to admit, they're pretty similar! It is nearly impossible to walk around a room for at least an hour and not talk, write, or sit and only think about the same thing. State testing is not fun at all.
Here's hoping that all of our students did well (& that we hold up throughout the duration of testing!),
Elaine, Teaching Lane
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