OHIO Kids get days off between proficiency tests

One teacher said the day-on, day-off testing schedule won't likely reduce the stress on children.
By RON COLE
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
Ohio fourth- and sixth-graders got something today they've never had before: a day off from testing.
In the past, schools across Ohio administered the state's annual five-part proficiency test over five days during the first week of March, one test a day.
This year, however, fourth- and sixth-graders are getting a day off between exams. Children took the writing section of the test Monday, had today off and will take the reading section Wednesday.
The day-on, day-off schedule continues until March 13, when pupils take the science section of the test.
"I think it's a plus, definitely," said Alex Geordan, principal of LaBrae's Vaughn Elementary. "It will rejuvenate the kids' minds."
Why change was made: The state changed the testing schedule this year after complaints from parents and teachers that the weeklong, nonstop timetable was too stressful for elementary children ages 10 to 12.
On the other hand, the state's ninth-grade proficiency test, also administered this week, will continue its five-tests-in-five-days format.
Geordan said he likes the spaced-out schedule and said teachers at Vaughn will spend the days between tests preparing for the next day's exam, he said.
"It gives them that last minute of instruction," he said.
He also said the schedule gives flexibility in scheduling make up tests.
"Before, if a student missed a couple days in a row, they missed two tests, so it was much more difficult to have kids make tests up in a rational period of time," he said.
Some concerns: Vic Ugran, principal of Ellsworth Elementary in Mahoning County, said he's concerned that spreading the tests out may increase the chances of pupils being ill and missing the tests.
"We sort of have mixed feelings about it," he said. "Over a five-day period, it was pretty much easier to control and get everybody healthy and together and get it done all in one week."
Dawn Rispinto, who teaches third- and fourth-grade social studies at Ellsworth, said she's against giving five tests in five days, but she also doubts that taking a day off between tests will reduce the strain on the children.
She said her school decorates hallways with signs and banners and holds a special fourth-grade breakfast to build momentum for the tests. "We really pump these kids up," she said.
Taking a day off between tests could hurt that momentum, she said.
"That's something I won't know until we get those results back," she said.