STAAR test

ok, when you live in texas starting in 3rd grade all the way to the 8th grade you have to take the STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) test towards the end of the year.  the STAAR test measures your how well you're learning the essential knowledge & skills of the curriculum taught to you.  the STAAR test is a HUGE deal, i've been terrified about having to take this test for the last 3 years. during STARR testing, we can't have any visitors at school, we have to eat lunch in our classroom, all the boards in the class are covered over in blank paper, instead of our desk being in groups they're put in rows, there can be no talking at all & the test's last for 4 hours!!! the good thing about STAAR week is our only homework is to get a goodnight's sleep. in 3rd & 4th grad the STAAR test just measures you academic performance, but in 5th grade if you don't pass the test you don't pass 5th grade! anyway, i know our scores don't count for a grade but i was still very very very nervous & freaked out! well we got our results back & i did GRRRREAT!!! they really want all the students to at least be at satisfactory academic performance, but i flew over that line & i'm right past the line for advanced academic performance in reading!!! for writing i'm right below the line for advanced academic performance. in math the standards haven't been established yet, but i know i did good because out of 48 i got a 42!

mommy & daddy knew i could do it the whole time, but it was still so awesome to see that i really am smart & i'm understanding more than i think i am. i have to admit i'm already worrying about next year because it's all or nothing. if you don't pass the STARR you don't pass 5th... thank goodness i have a whole year to prepare!