This is the time of year that we TEST the students to see if they can be promoted to the next grade.  Over the years there has been put on so much more preparation, discussion, and concern about TESTING.  Some teachers start giving assignments in preparation  for the TEST months before the TEST is given.  Now that in 3rd Grade if you DO NOT pass the FSAT Test you will be retained the students are aware of that, unfortunately.  Some students can put all of that behind them and score well on the Test.  Others become so nervous that they can NOT do as well on the Test as they should.   We need to have more positive conversations around this time to build our student's self esteem up.