By Erin Baier and

Samantha Wong

Head O’ Meadow Fifth Graders

Some people think that it’s frightening, others think it’s exciting. What is it?

It is the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT).

Connecticut Mastery Tests are taken in the fourth, sixth and eighth grades and the Head O’ Meadow fourth graders have just completed their CMTs.

Students and teachers have made their feelings about the test known. Jennifer O’Connell says, “My teacher prepared me well, she gave us a practice test, but the real [test] was different. At first I was nervous, but then I got used to it.”

Ryan Manning has his own opinion. “The tests were interesting. They were easier than I though they would be.”

For Christie Fogelstrom, everything was as expected. “The Mastery tests were normal, and I tried to stay calm.”

From a teacher’s point of view, fourth grade teachers were asked about their feelings of the CMT. According to Mrs Lent, “My students definitely know that they did fine.”

“My students had practice tests, and I think that they did very well,” adds Mr Washicko.

Two teachers reflected on students past preparations. “The children that went to HOM in first, second and third grade were very well prepared for the Connecticut Mastery Tests this year,” said Mrs Aschauer.

“O course, all those teachers before me prepared [students] well,” added Ms Siladi.

In the long run, both teachers and students feel positive about this year’s CMTs.