Next Wednesday and Thursday, March 20th & 21st, all third graders at Memorial School will take the MCAS Reading Language Arts Test. When I think about how hard they've worked, how much they have learned, and how far they have come I am filled with pride. Their effort and dedication towards taking this test seriously is to be commended.
Please keep in mind that it is important that we all keep an appropriate attitude towards this standardized testing. Remember, it is only a snapshot of a moment in time that everyone hopes is accurate and corresponds with everything else we know about the child. This test is only one piece of a bigger puzzle. If we only look at one piece, we will never see the WHOLE picture. Other pieces include schoolwork and class performance, motivation, natural abilities, interests, attendance, health, etc.
Even with this said, it is still normal to have some test anxiety. This is a NEW experience for the students. I explain to them over and over again that all I expect is that they do their best and put forth their best effort. They will gain their confidence from the adults in their lives. It is crucial that we communicate that WE believe in them. The most important thing is to be their biggest cheerleader!
As parents, you have been a very important and powerful influence on how your child has progressed. For this reason, I am asking that you, (or any members of your family) take a few minutes to write a short message, note of support and encouragement, to your child. This special note will be given to your child to read, just before the testing begins.
You may write or type your note on a decorative or colored piece of paper. After the message is written, please place it in an envelope and seal it. Or email/scan me your note and I will print it on colored paper and place it in a sealed envelope. I will collect all envelopes as they are returned and then distribute them next week. Your child will unseal the envelope, as previously stated, and read your message each day before the test. Your encouraging words will help your son or daughter stay confident and positive each day!
You may write your own personal message, or if you prefer, you may use any of these phrases in your BRIEF message.
-Have confindence in yourself!
-We Believe in you!
-Take your time, don't give up!
-I'm so proud of you!
-We know you can do this! Show what you now!
-Be confident in your own abilities, relax and have fun.
-You are prepared and ready, do your best, you CAN do this!
As always, thank you for your continued support!
Please have messages sent to me by Monday, March 18th
I will send you an email once I have received your message!
PS... The students do not know about this...unless they are reading this blog!
Part 2
Today the students took a "Trial Run" or MCAS simulation.
First, when students arrived at school, they moved their desks to the perimeter of the classroom and faced the outside walls so that their backs would be towards their classmates. This, I've found over the years, cuts down on the visual distractions and helps to easy some anxieties for those students who might worry if others are finishing before them.
Next, A packet which included 3 reading passages were distributed to students and directions were given, similar to how they will be given on the actual test day.
After that, Students were given 40 minutes to complete the three reading passages which included a Poem, a Play based on a Greek Myth, and a fictional piece of literature that involved answering an Open Response Question. (Prove an inference)
Finally, We practiced the task of raising our hands to indicate when they are finished and ended the session with sustained silent reading as we waited for the rest of the class to finish.
<Insert Deep Breath here>
We MADE it! No tears, No stress, No problem!
Hopefully, after today's "Trial Run" your child will be a little more at ease. Tomorrow we will go over all of the multiple choice questions and look closer at their open response question. The passages will be sent home for you to see and go over with your child. You will be so amazed at what your child has accomplished in such a short amound of time!
Stay tuned for:
PART 3 of MCAS
Coming soon!