Iowa Assessments ....Attitude is Everything!

Today was the first day of our Iowa Assessments.  The students have been preparing for these tests the last few weeks (as much as you can prepare) by learning test taking tips as well as doing practice test.  While they were a little nervous, as it is the first time 3rd graders take the assessments, they all did a super job today and tried very hard.

In case you missed the letter that went home yesterday, our schedule for testing is below:
Tuesday:  Reading Part 1 and 2 in the morning
Wednesday:  Math part 1
Thursday:  Math part 2 in the morning and Science in the afternoon

While these tests are a "one shot" picture of how the students are performing, they are important to our school district.  You could call them our school's report card. Mrs. Jurgenson was around to all the rooms and talked about how they show what our students know and the importance of having a positive attitude.  Along with that, one of our testing tips was "Attitude is Everything".  The students have really embraced that message and are off to a great start.

I also talked to them and shared with the students the story of The Little Engine that Could.   It was great to hear some of the students whisper "I think I can...I think I can.." as they were testing and maybe stuck on a problem.  How you prepare yourself mentally is so important.  The students commented afterwards that the reading tests were "not so bad" and they had "plenty of time".

We will continue testing the next two days and give it our all.  It will be nice to return to normal instruction and get back to a routine after these assessments are done!

Great job 3B!  I am proud of you!