BWW Blog: Leanne Marie Laurino - PARCC Takes a Toll on the Arts

Standardized tests already put unnecessary stress on students. Imagine having to put on a production in the midst of all the chaos. Not to mention that our school isn't the wealthiest and we don't have our own computers that allow us to test in one day! My Advanced Musical Theatre Class is presenting The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. It is our final exam and top priority. The deal is that with just 6 months and 40 minutes a day, there isn't any time to lose! How are we supposed to perform trapped behind a computer for hours on end? In addition to roles in the show, we all have production roles with deadlines to be met! From day to day there could be 1 to 10 students missing out of our 14 roster class. Every day is a lottery as to what classes we're going to and it has been for several weeks! Keep in mind that this is a test most teachers can't pass and it's just another number the state wants to define us by. We have just a little over a month to get our act together! With all of our busy lives and unpredictable schedules, we rely on seventh period to make it all happen. If the PARCC ever subsides, I'll be sure to let you know. Wish us luck!