testing, testing...

I love standardized test days.

No, really, I am not being sarcastic, I really do.

And not just because I get to sit at my computer and check email and blog, although that's nice, too.

I love standardized test days because twice a year I get to sit back and just enjoy the fruits of my labor (or cringe due to a lack thereof). Are they brainstorming their ideas first? Have they chosen a "lead" from the possibilities I taught them? Is L---- checking his spelling? Is there action, dialogue, interesting details, a satisfying conclusion? etc etc etc.

And also twice a year I get to sit down and tear apart the multiple choice section, outlining places where the question is unclear or does not test the intended objective. I get super nitpicky about it, taking issue when a question asks for a definitive stance over a style issue. Marking up the test itself in red ink fills me with a silly glee and makes me feel smart, worthy of my English degree, and articulate. Yes, I understand that taking pleasure in correcting other people's wrongs (people who get paid more than me, mind you) is symptomatic of an overblown ego, but I just don't care. Somedays it's not enough to know more than the students; somedays I need to know more than the test-makers.