MCAS

For the past 2 days, my students have been taking the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Survey (MCAS) exam. The kids are very stressed. To help them, we were asked not to give homework or tests while they were doing the English Language Arts portion of this high-stakes exam. Now, we can rest until May. During the May exam, 6th and 7th grades will take the Math portion of MCAS. The 8th grade will take the MCAS for Math, Science, and Social Studies.
All I can say is thank goodness MCAS is over for another 1 1/2 months.

The First Day

I begin each new term at Kaplan with such excitement and fear. I am excited because I am getting closer to completing my coursework for my degree. I am excited because I will be learning lots of new things. I have fear because in the back of my mind I hope that I can continue to push myself and do well in all areas. As time marches towards June, my life is becoming more and more hectic. I have 2 student teachers that I am mentoring. And, I will be the new department chair for my school's science department. My tenure will be 4 years, and if I'm good enough, I may be re-elected to another one year term. With this new responsibility comes many changes. For the first time, I will not be teaching 6th grade science. I will also have to pack up all of my materials and move to the other building of our school district.
But, as the saying goes, there is no growth without change.
Good luck to my fellow students this term at Kaplan. I look forward to working with all of you.
Sharon