Wait Time

I remember learning about "wait time" in college. The idea that as a teacher, you need to allow a little time after you ask a question before calling on someone. Give the slower things time to process the question.
I experienced a whole new kind of wait time today. The students all started their state writing tests today. As a staff, we selectively put every student into the small group we thought the would preform best in. One of my writing students still struggles a lot with his writing. He has been working super hard in the weeks leading up to the test but I still opted to have him test alone since his behavior can sometimes be disruptive.
We did a lot to hype the kids up for the test and this one totally bought into it. He was totally psyched to take the test. Or so I thought. I went to get him for the test, sat him down and read him the directions. He then looked at me and said "no" - and flatly refused to write.
What to do as a teacher... I cannot force him to write. But the stakes are way to high to let him not write. So I did the only thing I could - wait time. It took a lot of wait time (an hour and 43 minutes to be exact). And a visit from the principal. And some "smart mints"... and 2 pep talks from other school staff that happened by. And finally... he began to write.
It wasn't a great story - but he did do his best, which is all we can ask for. While I loved my college experience, most of the tools and strategies I need for success in my job, I learned in my own classroom. But today, I was glad to hearken back to a strategy I had been taught in college.