Here in Utah we don't administer a state assessment at the end of kindergarten, first, or second grades. That could change with the adoption of the Common Core, but for now, that's where we are. Don't hate me. :)

However, our district has chosen to implement an End Of Level Assessment for grades 1 and 2. (Not sure on K, they weren't at our meeting last night). Looking over the rough draft of the assessment, I found some areas in which my littles need some definite practice!! Hmmmm. . .we love "contests" in our class - chances to "show off" and be rewarded for our awesomeness. . .so - BRAIN BUSTERS it is!

Each day for the next few weeks, my littles will have a chance to complete a BRAIN BUSTER challenge sheet. Each correct answer will earn them one point towards their goal of 50 points. Once they reach 50 points, they'll get a special certificate and reward. With 6-7 questions on each BRAIN BUSTER sheet, it won't take too long to start accumulating points. This will give me a really good idea which littles need MUCH more review/practice/reteaching and which littles are going to knock my socks off on the EOL assessment. I *think* I already have that information, but. . .with firsties, do we ever really know?!