Typewriter Rodeo: STAAR Testing

Each week, the Standard reaches out to Austin’s Typewriter Rodeo for a custom poem on Texas topics.

By Kari Anne HoltMay 4, 2018 10:30 am,

Texas kids and their teachers are finally done with this year’s STAAR tests. And while these required exams, with their bubbled-in answers can be a source of struggle and anxiety, it’s worth taking a minute to put all that work in perspective.

STAAR Testing

Kiddo, I see you over there

at your desk

Forehead scrunched

I see the walls covered with sheets

the hushed snacks at your seat

I see how hard it can be

to bubble

and bubble

and bubble

and kiddo, let me tell you

when you are 42

no one will care how you bubbled

no one will remember your score

because these tests

this bubbling

this stained muted week

means nothing in the grand scheme

of things

what we learn here

the real truth of these daysi

is that you persevere

you’re strong

and wonderful

and testing can never really

test

YOU

Produced by Laura Rice.