I created a monster!

I remember thinking that I would never teach to a test, that I would always look for multiple ways to asses my students, and that I believed students master content at different times so always let them retake assessments as long as eventually they understand. However, my colleagues and I must have forgotten some of those pledges to ourselves (I could not have done this alone right?).  The reason I state this is because since the Star test ended my students do not see the need to continue learning. They have blatantly said, "But the Star test is over. So what is the point?" Love 8th graders...they don't hold back.

Teachers are even transitioning into vacation mode sooner. I don't mean playing movies-they are working.  But, they are tired and struggling with the question, "Are the kids misbehaving or am I so tired that it just seems that way?"  It is the chicken and the egg thing. I honestly think the answer is-both. We work hard all year and the emphasis on this test is a top down stressor. We feel it and the kids do too.

I am going to try in the future to avoid placing such high importance on this test so my students will see the value of education not just the value of learning something to pass a test.  I remember my own daughter used to love reading. She was an amazing reader. But, when she had to take a test at the end of every book, she began to despise reading. She loved the enjoyment if reading. When it became associated with points and leveling, she withdrew and would do only the minimum. She did not like them telling her she could not read what she wanted to sometimes and she hated that they constantly raised her limit.  I do not want my kids to think of school in that manner and unfortunately most do already. So, I don't have the secret formula yet but I am going to make a conscious effort to work on teaching my kids to love learning and to learn just to learn.  Any and all suggestions welcome!