<p>Working in a junior high this year during TAKS was quite an eye-opener. First, everyone (teachers and staff - which includes the receptionist!)are required to take a training on test day procedures. Arrangements must be made for accomodations for the special ed, ESL and 504 students. We have hall monitors during testing (since all of our teachers are proctoring, administrators from the school district are brought in). At times the PTA has provided breakfast for all the students, other times they provide mints (to increase "brian power"). The attendance clerk calls all parents of absent students to verify the absence. </p>
<p>In the aftermath, if a student fails either math or reading, they are placed in a remedial class (to take the place of an elective) to bring them up to speed. This year, students who achieved commended performance received an ice cream cone (courtesy of the PTA). </p>
<p>Testing is an unbelievably time-consuming process. Out of our 180 required days of instruction, at least 5 are devoted to testing.</p>