First Grade Takes a Test

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Handouts
	Why Test Students?
	Effects of State Testing
	Helping Your Child Perform Well on Tests
	Test Taking
	Issues in Testing Very Young Children

First Grade Takes a Test

Description
The presenter reads aloud a short and poignant picture book, First Grade Takes a Test by Miriam Cohen, depicting the reaction of a class of first graders to their first experience with a standardized test. "George looked at the test. It said: Rabbits eat: 1) lettuce, 2) dog food, 3) sandwiches. He raised his hand. ‘Rabbits have to eat carrots, or their teeth will get too long and stick into them,’ he said. The teacher nodded and smiled, but she put a finger to her lips. George carefully drew in a carrot so the test people would know."

Participants engage in a discussion about the limits of many standardized tests and the negative effects that testing can have on some children.

Use
Serves as a springboard to a discussion of standardized testing, its limits and unintended effects, and helping children do their best.

When reading the whole book aloud is not appropriate, presenter can prompt discussion with overhead of the page about George and the Rabbit Question.

Especially appropriate for use with parents of elementary students.