How to Survive Assessment Season

Tis the season, "Assessment Season"! You have been preparing students by focusing on what they need to know and be able to do all year.  Now, it's time for our students to be "Grand".  Although the NSCAS (3-8) and ACT for students in the 3rd yr cohort in high school are important summative assessments to determine how well our students are mastering standards that will prepare them for future success, the reality is that for some, this time of the year is stressful and elevates levels of anxiety and other social-emotional responses which can have an impact on performance. 

So how do we best support students (and each other) through this time of the year?  From my search for some answers, I came across some good advice from BoysTown that I thought was worth sharing:  8 Tips for Surviving Testing and Supporting Students.  Courtney Dealy offers a few strategies and suggestions to consider implementing as students prepare for and take summative assessments.   It's important to remember what we say and how we say it to avoid adding undue pressure but hope and encouragement instead. I shared some insight about this in a previous blog and it's worth revisiting.  The quote to the left from Dr. Haim Ginott not only relates to teachers but to all that interact with children during the school day. It's a good reminder of the powerful impact we can have on others.

Aside from what I have shared, I know you all have additional ideas and resources that are making a difference and ask that you share so we can continue to grow as educators and positively impact our students.

Just in case you are not familiar with the Nebraska Department of Education State Assessment Website, I have linked it and encourage you to take some time to view the descriptions and links to resources.  There is good information that can inform assessment prep and planning in PLC's.

In conclusion, I have to say that I feel blessed to be in public education and although we experience seasons in education, just like the weather, we persevere and strive to ensure "Every Student, Every Day, a Success!"  I thank all of you for being here every day, on the front lines, making a difference.  Our students are our future and we are preparing them to THRIVE!

Check out these tweets on Twitter--Just a few examples of how teachers/campuses are supporting and encouraging through goal setting, additional study, and motivational experiences:

Jefferson All-Stars video

Jefferson All-Stars video

Spring Break Reading?

It's here and I'm sure welcomed by everyone!  Spring break is a great time to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect in preparation for assessment season and a strong finish to the end of the school year.  There are still a lot of instructional minutes left and daily opportunities to continue to make a difference for our students and prepare them for an ever-changing world!   I'm so thankful and proud of our GIPS staff and how hard everyone is working to impact our most precious asset, our students!

I recently came across a blog article from Mindsteps about expectations and I thought I would share it with you, maybe for some light reading while you are relaxing over the break. :) The title captured my interest, "Do High Standards Equal High Expectations?".  So, in thinking about the break and reflecting on my own goals, I thought it was worth the read.  During walks and visiting with teachers and other educators, I hear the language "high standards", "high expectations" and never really thought about the difference.  This blog caused me to reflect on how I use these words and how I think about students and possible biases I might have that impact my own expectations. 

Just an opportunity for me to continue to grow in my own practice and leadership. I hope you take the time to read and engage in conversations with others about the content. 

Wishing you all a happy, safe, and relaxing break!