We had to do these tests too. Still do. In 2nd grade, we needed one right at 100% (100 prob. in 5 min.) to move on. Problem was, we moved all the way through addition, sub., mult. and division before the year was over. There wasn't much way around it. I finally told DD, it was good practice. DD skipped 3rd and went into 4th this yr. They do mult. and division timed tests this yr (not nearly as freq. as last year.) The only thing is, you don't pass (in other words, if you get 100% you still have to stay with mult. the whole quarter, then division the whole second. quarter and count it as an easy A, I guess.) I really don't get why they put so much emphasis on speed. I am all for knowing your facts and knowing them well, but how fast you can do it is pointless, in my eyes. I just ignore the tests now and don't bother. They just seem to be a part of what is required so we suck it up. I would be more concerned with being challenged where it really counts. We weren't at all, which is why we pushed for an overall skip. We got it and guess what.... we still aren't challenged! HOWEVER, we are in a better place than we would have been without a skip though. Just figure out what is more important, challenge overall? If so, can you overlook the time tests and focus on approp. challenge across the board?
