Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Mommy Clout

It's not too often that the title of "Mom"offers much clout. But today, it was just the title I needed.

Yesterday marked the first day of WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning) testing. It's serious business, something Caleb has been preparing for and I myself have spent plenty of time worrying about it. The questions can be confusing, especially for a child with processing disabilities. Caleb's IEP includes accommodations to assist him in the test-taking process. One such accommodation is that he takes the test in a private room with a paraeducator overseeing the administration of the test.

Each classroom has a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door. Several suggestions for maintaining silence are written in small print; "turn off cell phones," for example. Great effort is made to establish the best testing environment by eliminating as many distractions as possible. I can appreciate that.

I volunteer in the kids' classrooms on Wednesdays. After helping 25 kindergartners plant sunflower seeds, I left covered in potting soil (literally) to go to Caleb's class. Caleb is taking the WASL in the speech room, which happens to be half-way between Alyssa's class and his regular room. Being the ever-curious mom I wanted to sneak a peek to see how things were going. I glanced ever so quickly past the bright pink "Do Not Disturb" sign to see Caleb reading a book. It was evident that he was done with the test. I continued to his classroom where it was clear that the students there were taking one of their breaks from testing so I disregarded the sign and quietly entered.

"Perfect timing," Mrs. Knapp said. "We are just taking a break between test sections. Will you take this snack down to Caleb? He hasn't had his snack yet."

"Sure. I just peeked in on him and he was just reading a book. Does that mean he's done?"

"Yes, he's probably done. As soon as we are done with the next section, I'll send a runner down to get him."

I was excited to go see him and take him a little treat. I entered the room, ignoring the sign for a number of reasons; 1. it was clear he was not currently taking the test, 2. his teacher asked me to go, and 3. this isn't just any student, it's my son.

The immediate glare from the para sent the unmistakable message that she was not pleased by my presence. I cheerfully greeted Caleb and offered him his snack, feeling the need to also explain that I was on the errand of the teacher. She abruptly told me that he has already had his break and was not interested in a snack. While maintaining a cold stare, she explained the purpose of the proverbial sign which I had obviously disregarded. She went on to tell me that she is required to keep a record of any person that enters the room during testing, if the phone rings, etc. In other words, I was an intolerable distraction.

Feeling my defenses rise and wanting to justify my actions I said, pointing to the book, "This is part of the WASL?" I knew full well it wasn't. As she struggled to explain herself, all the while maintaining her disgust for me, I mustered all the friendliness I could manage and said, "I'm Mom, by the way." In an instant her cold stare changed to a blank one. Seconds later she was offering her apologies as the handshake of friendship was extended to me. She awkwardly explained her "impressive" five-year history of being a para who helps with the WASL.
I turned my attention to Caleb, giving him a good-bye hug. The para offered another sincere apology as I left. I felt embarrassed for this woman, she was just trying to do her job, but I laughed my way to the workroom as I thought of the powerful title of "Mom!"

6 comments:

jenny said...

I would have been gloating all the way out of there. How funny. I hope he did well!!

Jen Childers said...

Isn't it iteresting how people can change. I don't think it should matter. She should've been more respectful to you no matter what! I hope Caleb is doing o.k. with that whole WASL. What are your and Jon's opinion of that anyway? We have that coming up next year. I can see both sides of it, but wish it was less time consuming and what I do know is that the questions are really subjective in how they can be answered...Anyway, good for you for being there for Caleb!

Bridget said...

Oh boy, that's pretty funny! I think testing puts the whole school on edge. Gotta love the mom clout.

Lucy said...

What's up with Nazi para lady? Glad you flung the "mom" word at her. I agree with Jen. It shouldn't have made as much difference as it did. She should have been respectful of whoever.

Granny said...

AHHHH...the power of a mom. Way to go Tara.

WASL weeks are the worst weeks of the school year. The whole school feels the stress, even if we're not testing we are constantly reminded that WASL prep begins in Kinder.

Kelly said...

Here, it is the TAAKS, we have pep rallies to psych the kids up, the whole school wears matching T-shirts, and yes TAAKS prep begins in Kinder! Once the children are done taking the test they aren't allowed to even read, just sit there with their heads on their desk, silent. My son sat for three hours once he finished the test. And on test day parents are not even allowed in the building, "Mom" will get you no where but an escort by the campus cop to you car. It is just sick.

Even worse is when all learning stops the last day of the test. Last year my son was allowed to play GameBoy in Math for the entire month of May, test was over, nothing left to teach. No child left behind indeed!

That's when I start playing the mom card, I check my kids out of school every chance I get. I send them for the ever important attendence count and check them out by 10 a.m. I'm way more fun than GameBoy during Math.

Man those state tests burn me up!