Winfield Scott teachers plan pre-test pep rally

It's not often that students are excited about taking tests, especially the federally mandated state assessment tests. After Monday, however, Winfield Scott Elementary School students may be just that.

For two weeks, Winfield Scott teachers Tami Lawrence, Karen Smith and Trisha Whitehead, along with several other teachers, have planned a pep assembly that is aimed at getting students excited about taking the state assessment tests. The assembly, which will begin at 2 p.m. Monday in the Winfield Scott gymnasium, is the teachers' way of showing their support to the students, Lawrence said.

"It's our way of showing them that we are behind them all the way," Lawrence said.

Lawrence said students will begin the state assessment test at Winfield Scott on Tuesday, and testing will be done in sections for about three weeks. She said the school hopes to be finished with testing by March 15, the last school day before students get a week off for spring break.

"We want to be done by spring break so students truly can have a break," Lawrence said.

Lawrence said the theme of the assembly is a rendition of the Nike shoe company slogan, "Just Do It." She said Principal Dave Elliott will speak to the students before turning the show over to the teachers, who will lead the chants of "Just Do It." Lawrence said the Fort Scott High School band will also participate in the rally. She added that a line dance will cap off the day's activities.

Lawrence said teachers at Winfield Scott have also been preparing students for state assessment tests by extending their math and reading courses. She added that the 29 minutes added to each school day to make up for time missed due to weather has also been used to prepare students for the tests. And though tests are rarely the students' favorite part of school, Lawrence said students at Winfield Scott are anxious to get started.

"They're excited to show the state of Kansas what Winfield Scott students can do," she said.

State assessment tests are mandated by President George W. Bush's No Child Left Behind Act. The tests are the government's way of measuring whether schools are making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). The progress of students is measured annually in reading and math in grades three through eight and at least once during high school.

State assessment tests begin on Monday for Eugene Ware Elementary School and Fort Scott Middle School.