Low bg and FCAT's don't mix....

Here in the good ol' Sunshine state we have our beloved (she says sarcastically) FCAT testing. EVERYONE dreads this week(sometimes 2 weeks for the older ones).

-This test has been known to hold students back a grade if they don't pass.

-They use it for placement in middle school/high school... you do well, your in gifted classes. Not so well, "boom boom" classes it is. Grades and hard work don't matter.

-Worst of all... You could be a straight A student with a 6.0 GPA. But, if you cant pass that bad boy in high school- you do not get a diploma. WTH?

Did I mention... parents, students and even teachers DREAD.THIS.WEEK!

Either way, as any mom would... I made sure they study, rest, eat well and so on.
But unlike most moms... I had other things to deal with to. I had D.

-I had to make the decision to keep him in class or have him test in an alternate environment.
(this IS a tough decision)

-I had to meet with the teacher to create the temporary care plan during testing.

-Parents are sending in post test snacks, so each morning I go in to carb count and give instruction.

-We have a 504 outlining the basics.

BUT, no matter how how much you prepare, D is always there and one small mistake, one forgetful moment opens the ugly door of opportuni-D.


Today was day 2 of testing. My husband drove Justin to school so that I could get a couple things done here. The plan was set. Then I get an email.

Mrs. Me,
This morning your husband came in and went over snacks with me. He said that Justin did have his sandwich and once he left I reminded Justin to eat it during morning announcements. He is always good about eating his snack so I did not "watch him" do it, as I had parents in the room and I was starting preparations for the FCAT. He either forgot to eat the sandwich or did not hear me remind him. I noticed his lack of ability to focus halfway through the test. I immediately sent him to be checked and he was low. We stopped testing at that point and he will continue the test with Mrs. assistant principal this morning. He has unlimited time with her. I apologize and will make certain tomorrow that he has everything he needs before we start and during our break. I spoke with him about going out of the room to finish the test and he seems fine with it. I also discussed the importance of him also remembering his snack in the morning even when his schedule is different than it normally is. I will give him another talk before he leaves!

I also received an email from Mrs. assistant principal.

He's with me now. He reviewed the first section of the test and is now completing the remainder of the test. No problems!

I called the school, of course! He was 46 and in la la land. They handled it. I am grateful that he was in his regular classroom because someone else may not have noticed.

I guess what I'm getting at is... this is just another way "D" showed me that no matter how prepared I am or how well thought out the details and schedules are... it's just going to wait, linger, lurk in the background and wait for the opportunity to make its presence known.

FIGURES!!!