I know I haven't written in a while. I haven't had a lot of time lately, and nothing real exciting to write about. But today was a different day!! So Extra! Extra! Read All About It!!
I have written several posts before about my career as a teacher. I think I may have even spoke about the reading class I have been teaching this year and how difficult it has been for me. Well today my reading class took a standardized test for reading. Every Fall and Spring the 2nd- 5th graders at my school take the MAP test ( Measurement of Academic Progress). The beginning of the year isn't very stressful, because its pretty much a starting point and areas to work on to make each child successful. But by the time May roles around its pretty stressful for teachers, because it is in my case the only measurement of my success for the year. Our 3rd through 5th grades also take PACT.
Having the above average students this year has really put a toll on me. I have to admit through all my frustrations, I have enjoyed the students immensely. They are all so fabulous and I love each of them in different ways. Last night as I anticipated our testing today, I felt very nervous, couldn't sleep and even began to cry at one point. You see when children this bright score so well the first time around, it isn't easy to show growth, in fact many times they lose a few points or stay the same. I was very afraid this may happen.
But OMG did they surprise me. We went into the computer lab this morning and I felt my stomach sink to the ground. The moment they clicked "Begin Test" my heart began racing. For 1 hour I paced the floor, moving back and forth watching and waiting. The good thing about this test is that as soon as the child is finished their score pops up and you have immediate results. The first student finished and I rushed over to see how they did. He not only met his goal, but exceeded it. I felt a little relieved. Then the next student finished, same thing. I was like OMG!! What is happening here?
To finish out the story, my results were phenomenal!! Out of 21 students only 4 didn't meet their goal and the ones that did, actually went over by 7 or more points. I was truly amazed!! I wanted to scream, dance and shout all at once, but I couldn't!!
I have never been one to brag on myself, and have never really had a lot of confidence, but I just have to say,
"I'M SO EXCITED, THAT I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT!!!"
It has been an amazing day!! I can only hope tomorrow will be just as amazing with the math portion.
Stay tuned........
