Schools try to get students pumped up about MAP testing

Area schools hold everything from pep rallies to pool parties and picnics to motivate students taking the Missouri Assessment Program tests.

At Blanchard Elementary School, the pulsating theme from the movie "Rocky" blared loudly as third- and fourth-graders were introduced one by one and ran down the hall to cheering applause from teachers and fellow students earlier this spring.

"We do everything we can think of to pump them up and make them excited and ready to go," said Dr. Barbara Kohlfeld, principal at Blanchard Elementary School in Cape Girardeau.

The importance of the state's standardized tests given each spring warrant such actions, school officials and counselors say.

As part of the 5-year-old federal No Child Left Behind Act, states must annually test students in math and communication arts. The tests are given to students in grades three through eight. In high school, sophomores take the math test and juniors take the communication arts test.

Schools that fail to make adequate yearly progress, or AYP, in test scores for two consecutive years must offer students the opportunity to transfer to another, higher-performing school in the district. After a third year of failing to make AYP, schools must offer supplemental services to students, such as tutoring.

MAP testing occurs in March and April. Some schools give the tests over two consecutive weeks, while others spread them out.

Blanchard, Alma Schrader, Clippard and Franklin elementary schools in Cape Girardeau will complete MAP testing this week. So too will Central High School. Jefferson Elementary School did all of its testing in a single week late last month. Central Junior High School finished with MAP testing last week.

Most of the Jackson public schools are giving MAP tests this week. Scott City schools completed testing last month.

Blanchard's Kohlfeld said students need to embrace such testing. "In this day and age, it is imperative that you be a good test taker," she said.

Sue Hunt, a guidance counselor at Clippard and Franklin schools, said MAP tests prepare students for future test taking. Students ultimately have to pass tests to get driver's licenses and get into college, she said.

Kohlfeld said, "We have snacks every day. The students take extra recess every day."

Students at the Scott City elementary and middle schools were rewarded with picnics if teachers identified them as having worked hard on the tests. Elementary students who score well will receive T-shirts and other prizes, said superintendent Diann Bradshaw-Ulmer. Middle and high school students who scored proficient or advanced on the previous year's tests will be treated to field trips.

Jackson School District assistant superintendent of instruction Dr. Rita Fisher said it's important to motivate the students when it comes to MAP testing.

"We want them to be motivated because that is the secret to good learning," she said.

Jackson's West Lane Elementary School held an assembly to kick off MAP testing.

At North Elementary School, third-graders earn MAP-related tickets they can trade in for prizes, Fisher said. Fourth- and fifth-graders are rewarded with popcorn and a movie at the end of testing.

Jackson High School's incentives were reserved parking spaces for the 2007-2008 school year. an extended lunch period, Fisher said.

The goal of all of these activities is to get the students to show off their academic skills, Fisher said.

mbliss@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 12