Testing Period Is a Test of Stamina

There's been a lot of talk of the opt out movement this week and the uptick in families refusing the take the state tests. The movement has gained traction for sure, and has grabbed the headlines.

But for the students taking the tests, they are powering through six days of assessments. And sitting for lengthy exams is no small task.

The testing period for most students is 90 minutes each day. Some students finish in much less time; others need the allotted amount.

"As time passes, I think I get more and more tired, because I'm in my seat longer and I'm just telling myself to write the correct answers and not struggle," said Dehlina Dowdy, a seventh-grader at J.H.S. 54 Booker T. Washington in Manhattan. "I don't have the same energy throughout."

Students completed the English exams Thursday. Dowdy said she feels more confident about the math tests next week, since that is her stronger subject and requires far less writing than the English exams.

Meaghan Hammerbacher, a special education teacher at M.S. 324 Patria Mirabal, said the exams can be especially challenging for students like hers, who get extra time on the tests. She said many of her students who are reading behind grade level struggle through the content — the extra time, while meant to be helpful, can add to anxiety. Her students get either time-and-a-half or double-time.

"Trying to take a test for three hours straight, that's really hard for adults," she said.

State education officials have said they want the shortest test possible that captures student learning of the skills laid out in the Common Core standards.