Non-production: Side effects of the GHSGT

While the juniors and seniors are either taking the test or studying for it the sophomores are taking predictor tests (these tests tell the powers that be whether or not a student may need a study skills class). The predictors, as well as the other testing, lasts for 2 blocks (3 hours). This "down" time seems to have a detrimental effect on the productiveness of students for the remainder of the day. We have 2 more blocks remaining after testing and this will go on everyday this week. It seems impossible to try and get any kind of production out of the students that you have for the remaining 2 blocks. For the most part this whole week will be mostly just babysitting. For the most part the kids aren't going to learn anything. This seems to be the consensus with the vast majority of teachers that I've spoken to this week. We've lost a whole week that we might otherwise have used to teach these kids something of real value. Another point scored for the GHSGT!