You keep saying that word...

I have this problem with the idea of the SAT.  It's supposed to be a measure of aptitude.  Aptitude is an innate ability or a natural talent.  That makes the idea of test prep for an aptitude test seem kind of crazy.  Should it really be called an aptitude test?

SAT prep is a pretty substantial industry.  There are tutoring services, study books and lots of structures in place designed to boost scores. Unless they rename the test, it should not  be a score that can change based on your work.

Apparently, though, the SAT carries on despite my thoughts about its poor adherence to the meaning of its own name.  I had plenty of time to think about this today. Plenty. 

I proctored the SAT today on campus.  One of my teacher friends made an observation a while back that proctor and proctologist probably have the same root word.  I imagine that must be true.

It's a grueling test to administer as a proctor.  The first seven sections last for 25 minutes.  Sections eight and nine last 20 minutes.  Section ten lasts ten minutes.  There are three scheduled five-minute breaks.  The time must be monitored very closely.

The day started annoyingly enough.  I had gathered up and put together assignments for the three different things I teach.  Someone else took care of four sections of classes for me, spanning three different courses over most of the day.  I had to essentially prepare for a substitute teacher, then I had to actively monitor testing from the start of the school day until 2:30 in the afternoon.  Prior to that, I got the work together for my not-testing kids, attended a faculty meeting, picked up the testing materials and seated the students in the testing room.  From there, it was time to stand and actively monitor.  I managed a bathroom break about an hour or so into the ordeal, which was my first real opportunity to sit down.  I never got a lunch break.  I am so irritated about that.  My 47 minute conference period didn't happen.  My lunch didn't happen.  Any time to be still and think or eat a meal was gone.  I got back to my own classroom at the start of 6th period, around 2:30.  I was so grumpy and hungry that I ate my lunch at my desk during class.  Just under half of the students in the room were juniors (the whole junior class was the group who was testing today).  They completely understood.  The juniors barely had a chance to eat.  They did that while the teachers went to turn in the test materials.  Not cool, employer.  Not cool.

Blegh.  I need to shake this one off.  I may just be able to have a normal day tomorrow.