So we have been completing our state tests for three weeks now. Okay, not EVERYONE has been testing for three weeks, each grade level has completed their test over the period of a week. Fifth grade was first, then fourth grade and finally third grade this week. It has been CHAOS people! The first two weeks meant that I had to relocate to other locations around the school with my kiddos so my roomie could test her students in our room. Sounds simple right? Mmmm yeah, not so much when every other special education teacher, reading specialist and other various interventionists have to do the same thing! We didn't thrive...but we survived! Now it's my turn to test one of my students in our room and the poor kiddo has just been in tears because it's the reading portion of the assessment and he's currently reading on a first grade level (he's in third grade). I felt so,so bad! He wanted help so badly but my hands were tied...absolutely no help or the test is invalid. Ohhh and did I tell you the very humorous (perhaps more like ironic), name of our state tests? They are called the NECAPs! Yeah like you've been hit in the kneecap and are now incapacitated! Does anyone at the state level EVER put any thought into the names of these tests? I'm so happy that we will be finishing up the reading portion tomorrow and moving on to the first math section which my kiddo should do okay with {fingers crossed}.
With all this testing I have missed seeing some of my students. Boo! So I am trying to squeeze in as much as possible when I do have them (okay I ALWAYS try to squeeze in WAY to much)! I have been working in a little labeling practice for my firsties because they need it for the language and reading skills that it provides (not to mention cutting and gluing practice). I have started to make my own labeling sheets and have one to share with you today! Just click on the picture below to download this from Google docs. I hope your kids enjoy it!
I'll be back soon {hopefully} to review this Fall unit from Kimberly at
Funky First Grade Fun.
Check out the fantastic giveaways Tessa is having at her blog by clicking on her button!
Testing Schmesting. :)
ReplyDelete❀ Tammy
Forever in First
We are in the middle of testing, too. We have a rather open testing "window," but I have to have all my kids done by the end of the week (they are all tested individually), and the state neglected to send us materials for two of my kids until today. I'm stressing juuuust a little! So I feel ya! Good luck to you.
ReplyDeleteKara
Spedventures
Thank you so much for entering my giveaway! I'm loving your labeling it freebie! Testing, Shmesting!!!!! ;)
ReplyDeleteHolly
Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade
We took the Gates test at the beginning of the year (I teach 1st). I had a little girl who guessed on every answer, I know this because she told me she was finished and she had only answered one question. I had to sit there and keep telling her to pick an answer. Guess what, she scored 1.4 ge on reading comp. So much for valid test scores. haha
ReplyDeleteKelly @ I'm Not Your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher
I love the labeling freebie! Testing is the worst; it disrupts the whole school. When we have testing in the spring, our little ones aren't tested but they miss their specials class (art, music or PE) and have to be so quiet all day. Last year they pulled me out of class for 2 days to test a student, so my class had to have a sub.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog!
Carol
Still Teaching After All These Years