Sorry, kid. You’re on
your own today. Just
you vs. the State of Texas.
Give ‘em Hell, remember
the Alamo & your #2 pencil.
Should you not pass
(we won’t say fail) you may
retake this test, repeat
this grade or possibly
redo your whole life.
Don’t work too fast either:
these tests may cause nausea,
dizziness, double-vision,
vomiting, hallucinations,
panic attacks, bitterness,
resentment, depression,
and a profound distaste
for school, education and
even learning in general.
And Remember, don’t panic.
James Brush is a teacher and writer who lives in Austin, TX. He tries to get outside as much as possible.
I am so tired of testing.
blah.
like your poem, though.
🙂
Me too. This was the big week in Texas. It is exhausting to watch kids test all day!
Is it possible to get an exemption?!
Not in Texas. These tests are graduation and promotion requirements.
Great poem! Captures the anxiety these poor kids have to go through. I think this is my first time at your site, but I see we have some things in common, as I also teach (ESL), had a cat that looks like yours, and have a dog named Phoebe (a crazy yellow lab). Take care, and thanks for stopping by my blog.
Robin, thanks for visiting. Dogs named Phoebe are great, aren’t they 🙂
I bet your kids would appreciate this poem, too.
It might be too real for some…
Talk about making good use of messy words/thoughts….
made me scared all over again. 😉
Yeah, I’m glad I don’t have to do that anymore!