Testing is done, now return to normal

Today was the last day of testing and only the sophomores had to take a test, some science test even though they took a test for the science class they are currently attending earlier this week.  Since the sophomores were the only ones testing, I believed that all the other students (meaning seniors) should be back in their regularly scheduled classes.  For two weeks now the seniors have gone off to the gym or the auditorium to be entertained because they do not take any of the tests.  But, oh no, the seniors were again directed to spend two hours in the auditorium where they were shown the movie, “Weekend at Bernie’s.”  I was aghast.

My seniors, on the other hand, had been directed to return to their regularly scheduled third period–my class–because we had work to do.  Turns out, I was the only senior teacher who requested their senior students.  I brought them doughnuts to reward them for their good job on portfolio day.  We wrote thank you notes to the interviewers.  We had a guest from Fresno State.  We used the two hours to get something accomplished.  I believe in a little more rigor than watching “Weekend at Bernie’s.”

State testing wreaks havoc with schedules

We have started the mandated state testing for high schools.  This past week we spent 3 hours on Tuesday taking language arts and 3 hours on Wednesday with social science.  I am fortunate as I am testing all 11th graders so all the materials were the same.   Some classrooms had as many as three sets of tests, one for each grade level.

Since we spend the three hours in testing during the morning, lunch comes earlier and then afterwards we have four periods, yet out of order.  Tuesday was periods 5, 6, and 1; Wednesday was periods 2, 3, 4, 7.  This next week we will do it again, taking math tests on Tuesday, and science tests on Wednesday.  

This chaotic schedule came on the heels of our grade distribution night, where the teachers set up shop in the school’s gym from 3 to 7 (after teaching all day) for parents to pick up quarterly grades and meet with teachers.   Then it’s back to school at 7 the next morning to pick up testing materials, set up the classroom, and squeeze as much out of the time as possible.

I am not proctoring on Tuesday as that is our senior portfolio day for business students.  Although a big deal for our department, the rest of the school ignores what we do.  No other department has a culminating activity for its students unless you count IB tests, for which the school does make a HUGE, BIG, DEAL. 

My marketing students presented their business plans to Fresno State University people at the end of the week and the multimedia students are working on a big project for a local nonprofit.  Even with the testing, we keep teaching school.  Sort of like building the airplane in midair, during flight.