This week and next are when Maryland Scholastic Achievement tests are given to all kids in the state, presumably an honest assessment of their learning over the past year. Seems like pretty good use of the time and not much different from when I was a kid.
Except these days with No Child Left Behind being based upon the scores of this test, and the ever-heightening bar that schools must clear to stay off of probation, everything stops for two solid weeks so that the schools can game the system. For two weeks all schoolwork is review of topics covered on the test.
They sent a letter home to all parents and issued a robo-call indicating that children need to be in bed on time (especially on Monday and Tuesday nights -- the nights before the actual test days) and that all children should have hot breakfasts and bring nutritious lunches to increase their ability to perform well on the tests. On days when your kids have tests that apply to their actual grades -- screw that. Send them in with granola bars and a Pepsi. But during MSA test week when the school is getting graded we all need to work as a team. So they send detailed reminders of what parents are supposed to do to make all of us a success.
This morning my wife dropped an entire package of bacon in the microwave for 2 minutes. Here you go boys, it's test day! Anyone want instant oatmeal?
No homework for two weeks. The kids are loving it.
S.
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