Panic set in for a few of my kids last night around 9pm, which means that those emails they sent weren't getting a response until this morning. As a general rule, I don't like talking to kids at late hours. Nobody should feel like they have 24 hour access to your life on their terms. Plus, I have audio recorded all of my lectures to they can learn from me 24 hours a day even if isn't live.
"Why are you doing this to us" is an actual questions one of my students. Sure, I gave them to talk about the importance of periodic assessments, but the other thing I told them is that I take no delight in their suffering. The test is not a punishment. In fact, if they listened in class, did the activities, and had some fun, they'll almost certainly be fine.
Test fear is a real thing. Set the tone early that they are not something meant to destroy the lives of students.
Follow us on Facebook; Twitter; iTunes; Soundcloud; Stitcher
Related Blogs:
Testing Anxiety in Dallas Students
Dallas ISD Student Vomits on STAAR Test
DISD and Dallas Education Rundown - September Week 1
***New*** Dallas Education Podcast - August Mailbox (Listener Questions Answered)