STAAR Wars! The Scores were with him!

Andrew took his final Science STAAR test on Wednesday.  As I did a couple of weeks ago, I made him another breakfast with the dimmed lights, soft music, lavender oil and positive notes and bible verses. He did seem a lot more calmer this time.

After the test was over I happened to pass by his hallway when his teachers were pulling kids one by one in the hallway to tell them whether they passed or not.   Although I had known his results since last Thursday, I could not tell him his results.  He came in to my room after school happier than I have seen him all year.  Andrew said, "I AM HAPPY!"  I said, "You should be!"  He continued, "I passed both test!"  I told him I knew and I was very proud of him.  I asked him if he felt better and if it felt like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders.  He said, "Yes! I feel relieved and feel a lot better!"  I explained to him that he has only one month of fifth grade left and he needs to try to enjoy it as much as he can.  While the others who did not pass are now in other classes working more on getting ready for the next round, Andrew and the others that passed are getting it a little easier right now.

I have often wondered whether these test are necessary and is it really necessary to put so much stress on elementary students.  There has to be a better way to measure assessment.  However, this is reality and we have to test.  Life is full of test, how we handle it is important.  I have tried to take this opportunity to share with Andrew and Anna that even though they may be stressed over these tests, try to find ways to help deal with the stress and find what works for them and not focus on the negative outcome because this will not be the last time they will face stress and anxiety.