Whew! What a Week!

So last week was our first run at a new state standardized test, and I've got to say, it was pretty insane. It was a week so full anxiety, exhaustion, and stress. If it had been my first year and I had to go through that, I'm not sure I would've survived. Here's to hoping next year's testing week runs more smoothly than this year.

I think that one of the big contributors to my stressful week was that I had my classes start a summative research assessment. Self-inflicted, yes, I know. It made for a hectic time. I had to pick up tests before school and lock them in my classroom, run to the computer lab for 1st hour, run back to my room for testing, then run back to the computer lab after for the rest of my classes. At least I got some exercise, right?

There is a silver-lining to this sad story. My kids are really impressing me this year. Their projects are turning out great. The project (in a nutshell) is to create a campaign about a social issue. The campaign must include 3 media channels that contribute to a solution for their chosen social issue (i.e. a t-shirt, a brochure, a bake sale, a PSA commercial). My students really like this project. They get to work in groups that they choose and have the opportunity to creatively express themselves. When they are finished creating their campaigns we have a presentation day where they get to show-off their t-shirts and fun logos and such. Its a great experience. I've posted a couple of works-in-progress below! I'd love to know what you think!