Time to Stand and Deliver!

End of the Year Testing Time

As a teacher I know the pressure of giving state tests. Of teaching your heart out until the cows come home and then hoping and praying and believing that your students would do well. As a first grade teacher, my students had to perform well on the CRCT in Georgia. 

When I moved to Texas, I stepped into a third grade classroom and had to learn not only the third grade curriculum, but also had to make sure I was setting my students up for success on their end of the year exams. It was a never ending process of teaching, analyzing data, reteaching, and providing as many days of quality instruction I could. I really believed in teaching every minute possible.

I think where so many of us get wrapped up in is the performance on the exam. Yes, I want my students to pass and excel on the test. But how are we getting them ready? Did we start the year out with high expectations, solid routines, and a classroom culture that is fun and rigorous? 

To get ready for what is expected at the end you have to really be laser focused. Begin with the End in Mind is not only a slogan, it is really the basis of backwards planning for success. That means not only the standards and skills, but also the feeling. I remember the feeling I wanted to have in the room. The excitement, the team building, the atmosphere that anything was possible, that we could do it together!

Now as I watch teachers prepare for testing, and I am looking more at data and projections, I want to remind myself and my teachers to not forget the very important part of the equation. The student. How are you going to motivate, encourage, and support your students? Are you offering incentives? Are you writing them a "you can do it" letter? Are you creating daily opportunities for students to feel successful? Are you stepping back more and letting students shine as the stars in the class? 

In your daily routine, don't forget to smile, hug, and welcome students. You are asking them to show up and show out! Just when you feel that you have nothing more to give, give more. I promise it will not be in vain.