A few months ago I nervously dropped off my 9 year old at school for the very first time so he could participate in the Stanford Achievement tests. I wasn't nervous because I was dropping him off at school, though. Mullin had never taken tests like this before, and I knew that his scores would, in some sort of way, reflect me as his teacher. (Yikes!)
Nobody was forcing me to have him tested, but I just felt it was something we both needed. Math has been a bit of a struggle, and I felt writing skills needed some improvement. I could tell Mullin was feeling like he wasn't any good at school, therefore hating it, therefore not putting forth his best efforts etc. There were some tough days last year. I wanted to know where we stood academically before moving on or shifting direction. I have heard of some home school families who are against government testing, but that little mother's instinct voice thingy deep down inside me was telling me to do it. And boy am I GLAD I did.
A few weeks ago the principal of Calvary Chapel school handed me the envelope at church. I debated whether or not to even open it there, but we just couldn't resist. I opened it and was first to see the results. Okay so, my jaw dropped and my eyes got all big!! A huge smile erupted off my face and I was like, "Oh my gosh Mullin, oh my gosh, you did awesome!!!" Yeah, so here's where that braggin' thing comes in...
His lowest grade equivalent was a 5.7--everything else was much higher, and then there were these letters in all caps, PHS. I had absolutely no idea what they meant. I had to look on the back for the abbreviation translation--Post High School. You're kidding me!!! I am surprised Daddy, Mullin and I didn't jump up and start whoopin' and hollerin' like good southern folk should. Mullin's ear to ear smile was all I needed to see to know we had made a good decision!! We both got the encouragement we needed to move on, and I think we are both a little more excited about the upcoming school year!! Now Lincoln wants to go to school to be tested, too. :) Excitement over tests, now that's what I like to hear!!!!!
A very wise woman (my mom) says that Mullin's teacher needs a pat on the back. That is a good idea. I think she would like some chocolate, a GTF, and a Target gift card, too. Aren't those the kinds of gifts teachers get these days??
1 comment:
Congratulations Homeschool Mama! and get used to it. Soon these standardized tests will become a waste of time to even bother with because the machines that grade them will explode.
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