Sounds like somebody's got a case of the Mondays

Indeed, it is Monday, and I went to work. I was administering the TAKS test again- it's my summertime gig that I do for a few extra bucks. It's easy, and they pay me extra to do it. Unlike the longer commitment of summer school, summer testing lasts four days.

I had exactly two girls taking the TAKS test, which has been phased out in favor of the STAAR test. The girls were trying to clear the last hurdle so they could get a diploma. I always feel bad for kids in that situation. They have done literally everything else necessary, but the test prevents them from being high school graduates. 

After I got both of my girls started, three boys came in to take the STAAR in my classroom-for-a-day. I got them going and set the countdown clock for five hours. The STAAR is timed.

So I had two girls on an untimed test and three boys taking a timed one. That's when the next two girls came in for the STAAR. So I set another timer. That was exactly as exciting as the day got. Following that, I stared at children while they answered questions. All totaled, I was there for seven and a half hours. Blegh. No matter, I was earning supplemental pay. I mean, I'm happy to help out, but money really motivates me more than altruism. 

Testing was at TJ today- my old workplace. I was actually just a few doors down from my old classroom. I was in Sara Coleman's room that later became Darrin Montena's room. I don't know whose room it is, now. I do know it was a mess. 

The blinds were in total disorder, the ceiling tiles were more absent and wrecked than present and intact, and the computers all looked like they were haphazardly thrown onto tables. No matter how dire things are in a classroom, I have always tried to make the best of it. I would straighten out the crooked things and badger building maintenance for new ceiling tiles. I would pick up my damn boxes off the floor. 

The thing is, if you have no obvious concern for the environment in your classroom, how can you expect the students to treat it and its contents well? No wonder the tables doubled as sketch pads. I was half tempted to add my own graffiti. Nobody would have noticed, and I certainly had the time. 

I'm back there tomorrow for the TAKS math test; today was the English test. I'm sure there will be a few STAAR kids who darken my door as the morning wears on. I'm happy to do it, though. It's more money in the refrigerator & water heater fund. 

For now, I'm off to bed. I have to be up and alert again tomorrow. That math test isn't going to proctor itself.