Testing Observation

I observed elementary school testing. There were two Kindergarten students (1

male and 1 female) taking the test. Both students were accelerated in math taking
2nd and 1st grade math. When speaking with the students, both students were well
spoken and highly motivated to do well. Both students seemed extremely nervous
and anxious to complete the test; however, the TAG teacher created a warm and
welcoming environment and reassured the students to try their best.
The classroom environment was very welcoming. In the corner of the room, there
was a life-sized replica of an igloo that the students had constructed out of milk
jugs. There were icicle lights spread throughout the replica and the students were
able to crawl through the entryway and into the igloo itself.
They were taking the Mental Achievement test. During this observation, I witnessed
a Kindergarten student, who was taking 2 nd grade math, complete the mathematical
portion of the test (approximately 30 problems) in less than 3 minutes. Even
though the female student taking the test completed the mathematical portion in a
short time as well, it was evident that perfection was her motivation because she
would triple and quadruple check each answer before going on to the next problem.
The female student went through 3 additional pieces of scratch paper during the
math portion; however, the male student used the scratch paper to simply draw and
await her completion.
I had a sense that the female student felt rushed because of how quickly the male
student completed the math portion. The TAG teacher was able to ease the female
students tensions by allowing the male student to draw and put his head down.

During this same observation, I was able to observe the CoGAT test. There were
approximately 5 3rd grade students taking this assessment. These students were
highly motivated to want to do well and to complete the test to the best of their
ability. 3 of the students seemed to rush through the test; however, once they
completed they went back and checked their information.