Sitting down to take part two of the MAP test — Reading — I ran circle by remembering times that they read well, closely, and with purpose. Once we’d come up with examples, the students set growth goals for themselves.

Some of the answers:

“I know that if you’re doing a project and you need to do research you will be reading with a purpose, which I have done a lot of.” –SH

*Long, long list of projects done.

* “Every project I’ve done I had to read with a purpose. That purpose was to get more insight on the true nature of the project.” –IJ

* For Gateway, I had to read the directions closely.” –AH

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This was an activity that made me feel good about our place and hopeful for our students. It also helped alleviate the existential dread I feel when I’m charged with delivering a standardized test. They’ve done some amazing things that demonstrate authentic and deep literary practices.