How do you get the students fired up about STAAR?  Our students become apathetic to the test they take every year.  We know it is important for them to do their very best so we can see what we need to do as educators to help them grow.  Yet, from the student's view point, it is just another test. So, what do we do to build that fire?

Castleberry High School band is successful every year in marching and concert UIL.  These contest occur twice a year with many competitions building up to the big one for marching.  Students could become just as apathetic to the prep for these contest.  Yet, the enthusiasm to be the best is there every year with every group of students.  As my children came through the band program, I noticed one tradition that has held on from year to year.  Just above the door, a sign is placed - #1.  The students reach up to hit the sign each day as reminder of the goal.  Then at the "big" competition, the sign was torn into small pieces and each student placed a piece in their shoe for "good luck" or as a reminder of the goal.

What if we use that same idea for the test?  Place a sign at each classroom door for the students to touch each day as a reminder to be the best, putting 100% into each test. It would be a continual reminder for each student that they need to what it takes to achieve the goal. Add a daily quote to be recited each day prior to class, such as: "I vow to put 100% effort toward being the best. I will do what it takes to meet the goal". The quote could be done daily through announcements for all students top participate.  Then on test day, cut the sign for each student to have a piece at their desk to remind them to "Be the Best".

What ideas do you have to build up the students for the big test?

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