Teachers make music video to take stress out of statewide test
MOUNT VERNON, Wash. -- One teacher in Washington state is using a music video to keep his students from stressing about a big standardized test.
Andy Bishop teaches fourth grade at Jefferson Elementary School. He told ABC affiliate KOMO-TV he had the idea for an anxiety-relieving music video a few weeks ago. His students are taking a newer, more rigorous test this year.
"They're familiar with taking tests but there's a lot of pressure put on this particular test or any state-mandated test," Bishop said. "I wanted to make something around test-taking and strategies and fun."
His fellow teachers helped make the video. Tim Newall, the school's principal, also signed off on it.
"I thought the video was a great idea," he said. "I'm always up for trying new things."
The video was shown to students at an assembly, but some eager teachers posted it online beforehand.
Bishop says he is pleased by the enthusiasm.
"When you have creative ideas, it can make an impact," Bishop told KOMO-TV. "It does feel really empowering to know you can make a difference."
