tests, tests, and more tests!

This week we have been giving the Terra Nova test to our students. We took Reading on Tuesday and Math today. So far, it's gone really well. I've been very impressed with all my students and their abilities to take standardized tests. I probably over-prepared them with rules and different strategies, but it seems to be working for them! The hardest part is getting them to NOT write in their test booklet except to answer questions. Most of them like to doodle in their book when they get finished. I threatened them during our prep week and said I would not go back and erase their marks, I would just let them get the question wrong. I think this has helped out a lot!

We are also taking Social Studies and Science this year. I'm not expecting much out of them during these parts. Half of my students miss Social Studies/Science time anyway because they get extra reading help during that time. Hopefully they will exceed my expectations tomorrow and Friday!

On a non-school-related note, I'm looking into buying a house! Today we go look at it and see what it's like on the inside. If all goes well, we might buy it in the next month or so. It's crazy to think I would buy a house HERE of all places, but with nowhere to rent except crappy apartments, it may be our best bet. It's only $25,000. The owners live in Texas, and inherited it from their mother. They basically just want to get rid of it. So if we offer $15,000 and get it for around $20,000, I would be perfectly pleased! Hopefully when we go in today we won't find a nasty inside that needs a lot of work. Keep your fingers crossed!