Assessment Month= No Learning Month

I have to give the end of the unit math test, the mid-term math assessment, the NWEA math test (computerized and in two parts), the final math assessment (because our principal wants to see what they know BEFORE we teach it), a spelling test, a sight word test, and the NWEA language arts test (also computerized and in two parts).

I'm not kidding.

This would be tolerable if I was the only one organizing the schedule and giving it to my kids...but, of course, this would be too easy. My principal says she needs to set up the test, review the scores, and set up the schedule.

In addition we are short on testing rooms, so some of the kids in my class who need to take tests in small groups need to meet with the special ed teacher in my room.

Why is this a problem, you might ask? Well, I'll tell you. When my kids finish the test, I wanted to send them back to my room with my ed tech so they could do read to self or read to buddy. Instead they roamed the halls because I needed them out of the computer lab so they'd stop distracting other students.

I couldn't even start a new math unit because the math tests I gave them stressed them so much I had to calm them down with free play. Really. They were like, "We have NO idea how to DO these problems!" I'm all, um, yeah I know. I haven't even taught it to you yet. Just move on and tell me when you are finished. It feels SO wrong.

The kids are out of their gourds because they lose their minds without structure. Kind of like when you take the wheel out of the hamster cage. So, I guess it's no surprise that I'm exhausted. The wine didn't help either. I think I'll just go to sleep.