State Testing

I am back in the "3rd Grade Class That Won't Be Quiet". This class is a challenge no matter how you look at it. They are constantly talking and doing things. When I talk to them individually by name, telling them to stop talking or to put something away, they often don't respond, continuing their behavior. Since I'm not the greatest when it comes to remembering names anyway, I begin to wonder if I even have their names right. It just doesn't matter. It's as if they can't even hear me. It's as if they aren't even aware of what they are doing. The thing that's different about this class is that there are SO MANY like this. And the kids who are well behaved? Well, they have their own issues.

Today I gave part of the State Test, given every year beginning in 2nd grade. Even though I am a substitute, I went in after school a week or so ago and received the "training" necessary to give the test. This was a planned absence by the teacher. This is very much frowned upon but I think it was grudgingly allowed because I am known by the principal at the school and I was willing to come in on my time to be trained.

As a teacher who is giving the test, I have sworn an affidavit that prevents me from discussing the test or its content. If you were hoping for something juicy about the test, sorry. I intend to honor those restrictions.

The most exciting incident of the morning occurred less than 10 minutes into the test. Before we started I handed out small bags of carrot sticks for the kids to munch on during the test. This was greeted with nearly universal excitement, much to my surprise. After I passed out the test materials and read the instructions from the provided script, they went to work...except for one girl. She just sat there staring at the test, rubbing her eyes, becoming agitated.

When it finally got bad enough, I went over there to find out what was going on. With red eyes she looked at me and said her eyes were itching her. She thought it started when she broke open the carrots. I had her get a wet paper towel, hoping that would sooth her, but it was immediately evident that this was getting worse. She went to the office and then went home.

When I called the office after we had finished, they told me that she had reacted to the carrots and had broken out in hives by the time she had gotten to the office. Then they added, "You have to be careful about what you give the kids."

I've never heard of someone being allergic to a benign root crop. Carrots?! Never heard of such a thing. And then I find it a little absurd that they would tell me to be careful! Give me a break! I'm 50 years old, subbing for over 5 years, and with two kids of my own. Carrots? Don't be so insulting and condescending. (I know, I'm over-reacting...just like they did.)

The kids were somewhat quiet during the test. At least they were better than usual, which isn't saying much. The rest of the day was at least as bad as usual with these guys. Two more days to go...I can't wait.