The Assessment

All right everyone, this is my attempt at writing a "Where I am From" poem from the point of view of a standardized test. It is a work in progress, so needless to say, any and all help would be greatly appreciated!

I am from good intentions and bad executions 

From wanting a quality education for all children

I am from accountability in schools

Multiple choice questions, timed essays, and 26 blank lines 

I am from wanting to fix the system 

But instead I took over 

Strategies, reading levels, and interventions

From we must improve education, to we must improve our schools scores

I have turned teachers against teachers
 teachers against students
parents against teachers
teachers against me 

All to justify my existence 

I am from wanting to improve learning but on second thought,

I sucked the life out of it 

Form the mortal blow to education,
The end all, be all

The coup de grace

I am the ASSESSMENT

I love, love, love, LOVE "Where I Am From" poems They are a great way for anyone to feel successful with poetry. There are so many ways to use this in the classroom. To begin with, they truly build community. Your students learn about each other, you learn about your students, and if you praticpate (hint, hint) your students learn something about you too. You can use this poem to teach figurative language, poetry, or as a starting point for a memoir/personal narrative! I have written several different "Where I am From" poems and each time I remember another memory from my past. My latest attempt was written with my Nana Fern in mind.

From a Strong Heart 

I am from, front porches

From rocking chairs and Sunday lunches

I am from mind your manners, please and thank you very much

From amazing grace, that old rugged cross, and Amen

I am from grace and forgiveness will cleanse your soul

 From my grandmother’s pearls, delicate and round

I am from, strong women with blue eyes

From a gracious heart and faith you could stand on

From act like a lady, powder your nose, and hold your head high,

Even when it falls apart

I am from heart ache will make you stronger

Everyone has a story, why not share it!