Why is there a week off for kindergarten testing? And why are there not more fun projects the last few weeks of school.

Before I answer the question, "Why is there a week off for kindergarten testing?", I have to tell you that the last few weeks we have been working so hard at getting ready for the testing to happen.  Your kids have asked me during class, "again?" in reply to reviewing concepts necessary for the end of year test again and again.  There has not been too much time to do much else except for reviewing the concepts we have learned over the past year.  Parents, think back on your school years whether it be Jr. High, High School, or College.  Remember that big end of term test that you needed to study hours and hours for?  Think of these last few weeks of school before testing as your children studying for their big test.  So, the fun projects that I would like to do before Holidays, such as Mother's Day, there is not time for.   Being a half day kindergarten, there is only so much time in the day to fill with as much learning as possible.  Believe me, I wish I could do more, but I want your children to learn as much as possible so they are more prepared for the test and 1st grade. 

No on to the question at hand, "Why is there a week off for kindergarten testing?"

I have had some parents asking why there is a full week off for kindergarten testing.  That is definitely a valid question.  It may seem like a long time for the kindergarteners to have school off.  It is important for this to happen.  At the beginning of the year we did an assessment on all incoming kindergartners.  This assessment showed what the children know at the beginning of the year and the same test is given at the end of the school year to show the growth each student has made.  Each test takes about 20 to 30 minutes per child.  Each test is done on an individual basis.  I as a teacher, need a full week for the assessments to ensure that every child is tested.  If you add up 20 to 30 minutes per child that adds up to about 800 minutes (13 hours and 20 minutes) to 1200 minutes (20 hours)  to test every child.  The whole week is essential for me as a teacher to test, fill out district bubble sheets, report cards, cumulative evaluation folders to be passed on through the 12th grade, and placement cards.  That is why the full week is required to do the testing.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to test each child individually.  It is a great culminating moment to celebrate the growth that each child has made.

 I look forward to meeting with you on your assigned assessment day. 

Mrs.  Polteno