TESTING

As a child I don't recall ever telling a teacher that I didn't "want" to do something.  Today we gave a practice state test, and although I know it will be more difficult than last year I did expect them to try to complete it.  However, I should have known that I was asking too much.  For some reason I have noticed that students today want everything handed to them.  In some regard they get what they want.  For example, I can't give a student a grade below 50.  So let's say that you have a student who really tries to complete the assignment but just doesn't know the information (due to inability not lack of study).  They make a 50.  Then, you have another student who doesn't care, signs his name, marks a few answers (or writes something you can't read), and turns in the paper.  Well, they can't make a zero....that wouldn't be fair.  So, let's give them a 50.

Well, back to today.  They were sleepy.  They glanced at passages and answered questions.  They didn't read the passages and went straight for the questions. (We discussed several times that you do not skip the passage.  You read the questions first; then go back and read the passage.)  They turned the paper sideways, played with pencils, stared at the wall, kicked their feet, and twirled their hair.  The one thing they did not do was pay attention to test.  Yet, I am held accountable for their test scores.  How can I control what they do?  URGH!!!!

ART MURAL

Our PTO wanted to raise money for a new playground.  If that is what they feel is important, then sobeit.  (I could have made a list of many other things needed by the school.)  Anyhow, in order to make more money we are having an art exhibit.  Each class is making a 4 x 8 mural.  The mural with the most votes ($1.00 per vote) wins the competition.  It's not the mural that I have an issue with, but the time in which we had to do it.  We were given three weeks.  The deadline was set so that they could meet a deadline with someone that would match the funds earned. In those three week (really only wanted to give us two), we had to find a theme, buy the board and art supplies, take nine-weeks tests, complete observations, get all make-up work completed, attend training, take a one day holiday, and spend two days taking practice tests.  Hmmm....just don't know when the art mural fits into this schedule.  Needless to say, we have been painting for the last two days.  I'm usually the teacher that likes to think out of the box and use materials that provide a 3-D effect.  However, this time I don't care if it is creative......I just want it finished!