Mandatory State Wide Testing – What To Do Once The Gorilla Is Gone

In recent years, statewide testing has, for many schools, grown to be the 800 pound gorilla in the room. Much of the year is now spent in preparation for these most important days of examinations. And a lot of funding is determined by the outcome, so the importance is understandable.

But what do you do once the gorilla is gone?

In Kentucky, statewide testing has now been pushed almost to the very end of the school year. But in many other states the testing window falls in the Spring, somewhere between March and late April. And, for many districts (and teachers) that produces a conundrum. What do you do with the kids after all the testing is done?

In some districts the problem is small because a lot of time remains in the year and there is a lot that may still be taught in that time, furthering the odds of success on the tests the following year. But in some areas of the country the testing finished late enough in the year that little really productive teaching time remains, yet there are still days to fill.

What to do?

We can help! (You knew that was coming, didn't you?)

If your district finishes up your testing in, say, early May, but your year does not finish until the end of May, we have a perfect suggestion for you. (no, it does not involve heading to Myrtle Beach early)

Give the students a school assembly program. A visit from a portable planetarium such as our Sky Dome, or a giant balloon-like globe such as our Earth Dome will produce an exciting day at the school, filled not only with fun but also with an awesome learning experience. For that matter, almost any one of our more than thirty programs will help to take the stress off these final days when the kids are not really paying a lot of attention anymore (they know the year is almost over) but when they cannot yet be sent home just yet. They may not pay attention much in class at this point but they will pay attention to a Chemistry show, or a live animal program.

So, do yourself and your students a favor. Take the heat off. Relax. Invite one of our school shows to visit, and leave the driving to us!

Give us a call. We might just have something awesome coming your way this May.

Then you can sit back and plan that trip to the beach while we educate the kids for you. And the best part? They will have a great time.

What are you waiting for? Christmas?

Give us a call today! That gorilla won't be standing there forever.