The Night Before Standardized Testing

I'm sure someone has written, Twas the night before ISTEP, and all through the school..

Poetry is not a strength so I won't go on, but I will say the tension is real.  As adults, we know our students are so much more than a score.  We know the end goal is to produce a productive citizen that will find his/her purpose and make our world a better place.  We know mental health is real and these tests bring on anxiety for all kids, not just those that struggle on a daily basis.  We put many hours in following curriculum maps, analyzing CFAs, reteaching and differentiating our lessons in order for our students to gain mastery of grade level skills.  Then, ultimately, show this mastery on a standardized test given to all kids in the state, no matter how that student learns.

This is not a post on "the test."

It is a post to say thank you. 

The night before ISTEP, I want to thank each one of my teachers from Kindergarten to 4th grade.  You have made a difference in the lives of our students that are about to demonstrate their achievement and growth.  You have spent countless hours designing lesson plans, incorporating resources, and differentiating engaging lessons in order to meet this mandatory objective. You understand the accountability, accept it, and thrive on student success.  Student success that is obviously so much more than this test. 

Yet, you show up every day, with more responsibilities than the year before, more change than you can keep up with, and  heavier pressures that are out of your control. YOU show up.  YOU have this passion that others can't possibly understand.  YOU love watching kids grow and learn, and you can feel your impact. Thank you for doing more than you ever imagined you could and understanding our students are more than a score.

So as you go to sleep tonight, I ask that you say a prayer for our teachers and students.  The next couple of weeks bring on a lot of anxiety, worry, and fear of the unknown.  Help them know they've put in their best effort, they are prepared, and ready to show their success.  In this life, this one moment is critical but does not define them. 

Thank you teachers!  I appreciate your efforts in preparing our students to a future of limitless possibilities.

Just Love,
Kirsten

Live in the moment, breathe, and know you are loved no matter what!  Good luck Charles students!