Sunday, April 21, 2013

State testing

The final round of TAKS testing is this week. The last group of juniors that have to pass this test before they can graduate.  Don't worry, the tests are being replaced with other even more ridiculous tests. Sophomores started that new round of tests, the STAAR tests, last year. Unless the Texas state legislature makes some changes soon, high school students will need to pass 15 tests to graduate rather than the current 4. 
  
What does this have to do with diabetes? This is Seth's first year to have to take these tests with diabetes. In the past, he has excelled at TAKS tests, scoring at the commended level on most of them. How does diabetes change that? Hopefully, it won't. But here are the possibilities:

1. He could have high blood sugar on testing day, making him feel sluggish and have trouble focusing. He would need to stop and check his blood sugar and give himself an injection, if necessary. 
2. His blood sugar could go low at any point, making it difficult for him to focus as well. He would need to stop during the test to check his blood sugar and treat it, if needed.
3. The change of schedule for testing day could cause either of the above, since his snack/meal schedule won't be the same as a regular school day.
4. ??? The unknown. You just never know what might happen.  I know that's true in all parts of life, but particularly with type 1 diabetes.

Seth hasn't had any problems with any type of tests all year. I don't expect any this week.  But with D, you just never really know. We have to be prepared for as many possibilities as we can, no matter how likely they are. It's the only way to KDA.


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2 comments:

  1. Just discovered your blog as part of the #dblogcheck.

    Not sure if you got information on this already or not, but you may want to consider a 504 Plan for Seth for state, district and ACT/SAT testing. This will allow him to have extra time to make insulin adjustments, treat a low (stress & nerves can bring those levels down fast). For the ACT/SAT testing the accommodations need to be requested at the time of registration for the test. Typically the School Psychologist (like me) or School Counselor will need verification of medical condition and how it impacts the student in the educational environment. The key is that whatever accommodations are in place for normal routine in school are available for those big assessments. I know many students with diabetes don't like being singled out during these assessments, but the reality is that BG can negatively impact test scores and why have that strike against someone before they even put pencil to paper when all he needs is time to check and treat during the test?

    If you need help with specifically what to ask, please email me or DM on Twitter @Click1st. :)

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    1. Thanks! I am actually a teacher, and Seth has a 504. His teachers, counselor, nurse, pretty much everyone at his school have been awesome. He did really well during state testing, scoring on the highest category on 3 of the 4 tests. That is in line with how he did last year. He also rocked his ACT in June.
      I have discovered some new blogs during #dblogcheck as well. It has been such a great thing, and will take me days to sort through all the awesomeness!

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