distractions and the like

WARNING:

Rant and Rave to follow!

Next Tuesday, my passengers will be taking their state mandated writing assessment. It is called TAKS :


Texas
Assessment of
Knowledge and
Skills


My version of the acronym??

Texas
A**holes don't
Know
Squat


I have lost two (2) full conference periods this week because of "training for test administrators." This has been a huge waste of my time but to whom can you complain? It is the whole theory of 'poop runs downhill' and I am at the bottom along with every other public school teacher here in the Lone Star state. This is micro-managing at its worst!!

Prior to test day all teachers must cover up or remove posters, etc. that might give any hint to the students. Since our rooms are to be a 'print-rich' environment this requires a lot of work after school.

Before the test begins, we must read VERBATIM from a script detailing the instructions for test takers.

During the duration of the test, we are to ACTIVELY monitor the students. I understand the rationale ~ cheating can occur. All computers, cell phones, etc. are to be shut down. Teachers are to pace the classroom to ensure 'test security' ~ sitting is VERBOTEN!! Our campus will be visited by 'spies' from central office and who knows, TEA might also drop by.

Penalties for ANY testing violation range from:

A 'sticker' on your teaching certificate ~ it ain't a smiley face!
Suspension of said certificate.
Revocation of said certificate.
Incarceration.


Any wonder why the profession is losing numbers rather than gaining?? A criminal offense for something that is probably harmless. I will be in compliance ~ I worked too long and too hard to get my certificate.


Now
Crazy &
Lurking
Behind

ttfn,

~butterfly angel~