The message is crucial. She doesn't want to scare the 27 students in her room. Miss Ratliff is hot and uncomfortable. She looks at the test instructions. This is the first time she will administer the MAT and she doesn't want to make any mistakes.
Paperwork is spread across several desks.
The bell rings and the students rush up the stairs. Miss Ratliff stands by the door, sending the children into the classroom. They have been preparing for this test all year, following the core curriculum while focusing on specific skills they need to improve based on last year's results. Nothing is left to chance. Principal Mildretta Hughes told the children to get a good night's sleep before taking the test, to eat a good breakfast and to get to school on time.