Testing...Testing...1...2...

I proctored a test for some side income today.

It was 3.5 hours of an anxiety ridden, near silent air as middle schoolers battled academically.

The magnet school for my county is a big deal. Thousands apply and most are turned away. Students from my county, neighboring counties and even other countries take the test as the first hurdle for admission.

It's something of a monster in my opinion. 

I have nothing against the magnet school. I think it's a great opportunity for students who really enjoy math and science.

I think it is a problem that many parents view it as a status symbol or a guaranteed road to success for their child and pressure-cook their spawn.

One teacher told me about an email she got last week. A parent emailed because her student had received an A- in Algebra Honors in 7th grade. While "[the A-] was a somewhat respectable grade" she was very disappointed and wanted to know what the teacher would do to make things right.

Poor kid. 

I don't know numbers and I don't feel like taking the effort to look them up, but I do know that less than 1 in 5 who apply will be accepted.

With the right attitude, the high-stakes could be a good learning experience (or even a good "thou art mortal" moment). I said a silent prayer for all the kids in the room and did my job. I had to be alert if anyone coughed too frequently. It's considered an irregularity that could disrupt other test takers and chronic coughers have to removed to test individually.

Like I said: intense. It's not South Korea, but the ante is definitely upped from the end of year tests everyone takes.

The extra cash will help with the plumbing expense and pizza for Shane's birthday party. I'll write about that once I can get all the media off Carrie's phone!