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