Pre-Assessments 

     This week was spent taking pre-assessments.  Before starting the Indiana Department of Education High Ability Curriculum (1st - 4th grade language arts), Mentoring Young Mathematicians (1st & 2nd grade math), or Mentoring Mathematical Minds (3rd & 4th grade math) material, it is helpful for me to get a feel for what the students already know.  Much of what they saw on the pre-assessments was brand new to them.  Many students were excited by getting a sneak peak into some things we will be learning about this year!  At the end of the year, students will be taking the same assessments.  I will staple their originals to them, so each student will have a "proud packet" of their growth.  The students impressed me with their positive attitudes this week.  There was no complaining about the pre-assessments.  There was no shame in seeing questions/material that they know little or nothing about.  I saw them make educated guesses.  I heard them expressing interest in learning new things and being challenged.  It felt great to be surrounded by eager, young people.