Moms Talk: How Does Your Child Deal with State Testing?

State testing. It has become a part of the school experience like lunch lines and gym class.

Every spring, students sharpen their No. 2 pencils to show what they know and to determine how the student, the teacher and the school are performing.

In addition to the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment tests in reading and math given every year in grades 3-8, 10 and 11, students also take a science test in fifth- and eighth-grade, and once again in high school.

The Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (GRAD) are administered throughout high school, giving students a chance to show they meet minimum standards for graduation in the fields of reading, writing and math.

For some students, this is a break from the normal routine and the opportunity to fill in some circles with gusto. For others, this is a dreaded, stress-inducing experience that can drag on for days.

As part of this week's Moms Talk, we're asking you to weigh in on this issue: How does testing affect your children? Does your family or your child’s classroom have special ways of dealing with this time of year? Do you think it’s worth it?

Our Moms Council — including, , and —is ready to weigh in on the discussion this week and encourage you to share your thoughts as well.

Post your thoughts, advice or questions in the comments section below. Also, if you live in the area and are interested in joining our Moms Council, e-mail Editor David Henke at david.henke@patch.com.