Crazy Week

For those of you who have kids in high school, you know what this week was: GHSGT. For those of you who don't have kids, here's the deal: Georgia, in its infinite wisdom, decided that all students should be able to pass a series of standardized tests covering the alleged curriculum found in the Georgia Performance Standards. They (the students) start taking these exams in their 11th grade year. These exams run concurrent with the EOCT (End of Course tests), SAT, ACT, ASVAB, and whatever else the government can line up for you and your kid. At first glance, it seems like a good idea. All students should be required to demonstrate mastery of core subjects. What if your kid has test anxiety? What if your kid had a lousy Science teacher (Science is the hardest-74% failure rate 1st time test takers)? What if you moved into Georgia from another state in your kid's junior year because of a job transfer? My point is there are no waivers, no breaks-nothing. It's pass or fail. If they pass, super. If they fail, they try again. And again. And again. What if they never pass the exam? They don't walk and they don't graduate. Imagine a kid with a 4.0 who is LOUSY at taking standardized tests. Imagine that kid not getting a diploma; instead he gets a Certificate of Attendance. Which is worthless. Even more so than a G.E.D

This was the week. Kids came to my classroom with vacant stares and generally pissed off. Nothing got done. My classroom was a crucible of stress, tempers, and haggard students.

I ran 9.5 today and it was glorious. I turned my music up really loud (like the kids) and just hauled ass.

I'm glad tomorrow is Friday.....,