The Importance of State Testing

Phone Rings

-Ms. C (whisper voice):  "This is Ms. C."

-Office Secretary:  "I'm so sorry to disturb  you during CST testing, but your district boss is here with eight parents who want to see your classroom."

-Ms. C:  "Right now?!  Does she know we're in the middle of state testing?"

*In the background*

-Office Secretary:  "Do you know they're in the middle of state testing?"

-District boss:  "Yeah.  That's fine."

-Office Secretary:  "You're just going to watch them taking a test?"

-District boss:  "That's fine."

(Greet district boss and 8 parents in hallway)

-Ms. C:  "Did I miss an e-mail or something letting me know you were coming?"

-District boss:  "No.  I didn't e-mail you because you're so on top of everything I knew we'd never see you on a bad day."

-Ms. C:  "No day is better or worse for me, but today is not good for the kids.  They have state testing."

-District boss:  "Yeah.  It's okay.  We'll just come in and look around and watch them and talk to you."

-Ms. C:  "You want to come in and talk with eight people during the middle of high-stakes testing with kids who are generally distractible and anxious?"

-District boss:  "Oh... I see what you're saying.  Well... we're here though."

-Ms. C (to class):  "Alright, guys.  We're going to take a quick stretch break.  Please stop testing."

*Dear district boss,

A heads up is usually prudent. 

Hearts and stars, 

Ms. C*