State Testing Was A Positive Experience!

I wanted to share what a positive experience state testing was for us and why. I especially wanted to share because last year I had a minor panic/meltdown leading me into anxiety driven research mode about state testing and I ended up writing two posts about it. (State Testing, IEP, Accommodations – Concerns and State Testing, IEP, Accommodations – Questions!) My anxiety induced research modes can be quite useful and fabulous for staying fixated and on task, so I am thankful for them many times. This research mode helped a great deal in finding out what accommodations and requests I could make for Daniel and Joshua not only for state testing, but for their IEP’s. I had hoped to gain knowledge, wisdom, and insights from other experiences that parents had, but I did not find much on the topic.

I did not hear from many people either, so it left me to wonder if I was the only one.

I knew that many parents before me had gone through the state testing process, but I had not found anything from them nor did I receive much feedback from my posts. I am not sure why, but now I feel that for those who may be experiencing similar feelings or who do not know how to handle state testing I will share our experience. I am also, working on a post about IEP’s — I hope to have it finished this week. I went into the IEP meetings with all of my requests listed for accommodations for Daniel and state testing. I had an understanding and knew what I could receive for him.

I had already made up my mind that if his needs were not met that I would opt out.

However, I wanted him to have this experience. I was concerned for Ariel as well because she has such intense anxiety with new experiences. Her social anxiety can become overwhelming for her as well. She shutdowns and cannot think very well when she is in anxiety mode. Still it was important for us to attempt this to stretch ourselves and also, for us to engage on some level with the local kids that also attend the virtual school. You never know where you can meet kindred spirits or engage in a new social encounter good or bad. It is good for me too because it helps me to overcome my own anxieties, meet the teachers in person, and interact with other parents.

Ok, ok how was it positive?



Continued ... State Testing Was A Positive Experience!