Lulu Goes to the HSPAs

Teens seem to find their own little ways of bonding.  They tend to unify in common struggles and age-appropriate challenges.  This is when social networking can add value to the life of a teen.

On Tuesday, 11th graders in New Jersey began three days of testing for the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA).  The HSPA replaced the High School Proficiency Test (HSPT11) in 2002. 

The test fulfils a state law that requires public high school students to demonstrate the "mastery of skills" needed to function in society before graduation.  The HSPA measures the 11th graders' achievement in mathematics and language arts literacy as described in the Core Curriculum Content Standards.

The Mathematics section is administered the first day of testing, followed by two days of Language Arts testing.  For the reading component, students are required to read passages, or excerpts from stories, and then answer questions about the passage. By Wednesday evening, it became clear that the students were enthralled by one of the passages on the test, which featured Lulu the Giraffe.

In "Reasonable Terms," one of 10 stories from Hannah Tinti's book "Animal Crackers," Lulu the giraffe fully engaged the HSPA readers. The magical and whimsical human/animal interaction captured the teens' imaginations for the test, and also for a lingering discussion outside of school. While not quite a viral sensation, Lulu has become a popular "public figure" on Facebook. 

HSPA enthusiasts from around the state "liked" Lulu. While some kids left wisecracks on Lulu's "wall," other kids left more useful contributions. There were even some discussions. Any observer would have to recognize that Lulu was more than a passage on a test. 

If one comment asked the actual name of the book, four other comments replied with all, or part of the title. It was apparent that this was an intriguing piece of literature. Perhaps this knowledge would ignite a curiosity to read additional stories in "Animal Crackers." Further, it is quite possible that these Facebook friends may recognize that Lulu metaphors a view of themselves, and their surrounding world. 

While HSPA examines how careful and focused a teen reader has become, the students revel in camaraderie, comic relief  and though-provoking literature featuring a wacky giraffe named Lulu.

If you want to know more about Thursday, the final day of HSPA testing, do a simple search on Twitter with the hashtag #HSPA. You will find tweets, in 140 characters or less, about #Lulu and another emerging topic or two. Ask a junior to elaborate on what you find.  You could just say you were "creeping" on Facebook and Twitter.  LOL.