This week starts the last round of testing for the year. Yes, it is May. Yes, there is MORE testing. I know, we all thought that after the MSA (Maryland State Assessment) we were home free. So the school system I teach in has three tests a year, aside from the state test. These tests are the county's way to get data about our students and supposedly the tests are supposed to help our students get ready for the state test. So, now after the MSA we have one last and final test, the Formative Assessment System Test 3. My students don't even know it is coming. Poor kids.
Perhaps the best part of testing is that for a special education teacher, this basically means the entire next 2 weeks are totally useless. I will be testing every single day morning and afternoon. Now, most teachers test first thing in the morning and call it a day. In the special education world, we get to test small groups of students, and have to provide them with accommodations. This is exhausting. Imagine that you aren't even taking the test, just reading directions and then you have to sit and make sure your students are bubbling in the correct bubble for the corresponding question. It is SO boring and tiring.
I decided a while ago that I would start talking about a pizza party for my students. This was my last attempt to motivate them and get their best behavior. My students have been talking about this since Spring Break. I think it has done its job. Now, it is just a matter of finding the best time to have our small pizza party. I think we will wait until FAST testing is over and then we can celebrate that we are REALLY done.
Anyone have any ideas o ways to motivate students? Anyone have a way they like to celebrate the end of the year? Share your ideas!
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