One thing you would never guess about working at an elementary school is that once a year it is more like working at the pentagon. I said you wouldn't guess it, but if you work at one you'll know exactly what I am talking about. I am talking about testing week.
People, this is not a test. It is the real thing. We are dealing with highly classified documents.
About a week prior we all have to start securing the facility. Lots of things on your wall can invalidate tests. We even have to take down calendars because the kids could look at the calendar and use it as a number line or something.
We have to move all the desks around so that no kid could possibly see another kid's test. Parent volunteers are not allowed in the building. Even student teachers cannot be present during testing. Younger grades can't use certain doors or playgrounds.
Every morning we have to sign out the tests. We are not allowed to read the test booklets at all, ever, even though we are administering the tests. We have to lock up the tests until we sign them back in.
We also have to actively proctor. This means walking up and down the aisles all day. We literally not allowed to sit down. Last year one of my friends sat down to blow her nose and when she looked up the principal was looking in her window and mime shouting for her to "GET UP NOW" with accompanying angry hand gestures.
1 comment:
Testing sanctions are not that strict in our state, I don't think. (My grade is too young to take the state test.)
Seems a bit ridiculous, doesn't it?
Especially when you consider that not every school in every state is probably as strict, and yet we all "succeed and fail" by the same rules.
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