PARCC vs. ISAT ♥

     No matter where you live, chances are that you've had to take some kind of standardized test. Two examples of incredibly tiring tests in my area are the PARCC Test and, what came before that, the ISAT Test. Comparing two major evils isn't going to be easy, but here goes.
ISAT TESTING
-Pros
  -The multiple choice questions didn't require much time and were effortless
  -The passages were much shorter
  -For extended responses, there was just enough space, not too much or too little
-Cons
  -Extended responses, for math, felt really unnecessary and stressful
  -The science test was based more off of general knowledge, instead of reasoning based on already existing knowledge
  -Poorly timed
  -Didn't feel challenged
PARCC TESTING
-Pros
  -Questions did require more thinking, but there were less of them
  -Passages had much more information in them
  -Timing was better
-Cons
  -Insufficient space for responses
  -Questions AND answers poorly worded
  -Too many passages
  -Requires much more thinking, becomes too overwhelming and tiring

     So, overall, there are components I feel like the ISAT and PARCC could merge, to make the ideal test, in my opinion. Though the ISAT was too easy, timing and spacing was perfect. I felt like the PARCC Test had to lay off a little bit, three long passages in a row are VERY consuming and tiring.

Happy testing season!

When a Scene Ends, a New One Begins ♥

     With Summer Break approaching near, students are either completely ecstatic or brutally terrified. Excitement or panic all comes from only 37 days to either perfect their middle school experience, grades and all, or fear of what may come in high school after the three months of break.
     Personally, I hope to end and leave middle school successfully and remembered. I do feel that I've made a mark on my school, whether it was with the community or the actual school itself. These four years have been filled with amazing memories and stupendous grades, of which I'm both proud of. School life has had its ups and downs, with drama and all, but overall has been wonderful.
     Now, what do I look forward to next year? Just about everything. I'm looking forward to meeting new classmates and teachers, learning new things, sharing my passions with a new environment, and having a clean, fresh, new start. I'm a little bit nervous about experiencing the new ethics, but I'm sure I'll be well-accustomed to how things work soon enough.
     Although, in the middle of an abrupt ending and a sudden beginning, there needs to be a pause. That very pause is Summer Break! During this time, I'll be recapitulating my years in middle school, what I liked and what I didn't, and taking that information into thinking about what my high school experience should look like. I will also spend the break with, well, a break! Video games, Netflix, food, and music all day! I'll finally have a chance to truly kick back and relax, without any stress cluttering my mind.

     How do you want to end this school year and begin the next? What do your Summer Break plans look like?