I recently did some research about standardized test pep rallies, to get students psyched up and ready take the tests and put forth their best effort. I was dismayed at finding so many of the supports, songs, pep rallies, posters focused around success on the test and high scores. Not effort and acceptance. Sure, it would be nice if everyone aced the test, but there will be some students that won't score high, that aren't good test takers, have language or developmental delays, or just have a bad day. Don't get me wrong, I'd love all my students to score "proficient with distinction" on each test, but the reality is they all will not. We often talk about growth mindset and grit at IAA. If we just focus on scoring high on the tests we marginalize many people and we send a message that high scores are all that matter. Each student will score to his or her ability, life situation or development at the time they take the test. That's okay and I want students to know it's okay. With that in mind, I read all the test takers this letter and showed them slide show below prior to taking the test.
A Principal’s Letter to IAA 3rd, 4th, and 5th Graders:
This week you will begin the SBAC tests for Math and Literacy.
This test will tell us some of things you have learned over the last several years and it will show us where you need to make growth. It will tell us nothing about who you are.
There is no computerized test that can show how we at IAA and others see you, what we know about you and the pride we have in you. The test can’t show that : You’ve worked hard on your jumpshot. You get angry easy, but you’re working on that. Your friends love you and think you’re funny. It’s hard for you to make friends. You have a lovely singing voice. You sometimes worry about things. You are a voracious reader. You’re sometimes hungry. Your first language isn’t english. You like to cook. You help take care of your siblings. You have a strong and confident voice when speaking. The test won’t show how caring, kind and respectful you are and can be.
This test just measures two things, math and literacy skills. When we get the results, we’ll have some information that can help us teach better and you learn better. The test won’t show how resilient you are, how much you have overcome in your lives and what you are ultimately capable of. The test won’t tell us what we already know. Many of you have experienced a lot, both good and bad. Through those experiences you have become you. An amazing person that has much to offer this community and beyond.
Get ready to take the SBAC seriously, Believe you are smart, stay relaxed and focused and try your very best. Also, remember that this test doesn’t measure the beauty and wonder that is inside you. There isn’t a test in the world that could measure that level of awesomeness.
Love,
Mr. Bobby
A Principal’s Letter to IAA 3rd, 4th, and 5th Graders:
This week you will begin the SBAC tests for Math and Literacy.
This test will tell us some of things you have learned over the last several years and it will show us where you need to make growth. It will tell us nothing about who you are.
There is no computerized test that can show how we at IAA and others see you, what we know about you and the pride we have in you. The test can’t show that : You’ve worked hard on your jumpshot. You get angry easy, but you’re working on that. Your friends love you and think you’re funny. It’s hard for you to make friends. You have a lovely singing voice. You sometimes worry about things. You are a voracious reader. You’re sometimes hungry. Your first language isn’t english. You like to cook. You help take care of your siblings. You have a strong and confident voice when speaking. The test won’t show how caring, kind and respectful you are and can be.
This test just measures two things, math and literacy skills. When we get the results, we’ll have some information that can help us teach better and you learn better. The test won’t show how resilient you are, how much you have overcome in your lives and what you are ultimately capable of. The test won’t tell us what we already know. Many of you have experienced a lot, both good and bad. Through those experiences you have become you. An amazing person that has much to offer this community and beyond.
Get ready to take the SBAC seriously, Believe you are smart, stay relaxed and focused and try your very best. Also, remember that this test doesn’t measure the beauty and wonder that is inside you. There isn’t a test in the world that could measure that level of awesomeness.
Love,
Mr. Bobby
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