State Testing is Approaching….

Okay it’s here.  We have exactly 15 instructional days until state testing.  Today was my first test prep session and I must say I am relieved as my students did great.  Their level of comprehension was good and when an academic deficiency showed through their work they were able to identify errors and self correct. 

To my fellow educators it is with great hope that you take care of yourself and do not allow testing to stress you out. Do your best and allow room for error.  The best advice I ever received was from my mom.  One semester while pursuing my undergraduate studies I was extremely concerned about my grade in a specific course. As I expressed my concern to my mom she responded. “Ebony did you do your best?” I advised her, “Yes mom I did, I met with the professor and I completed all the extra work.” My mother then proceeded to tell me, “Ebony as long as you did your best that is all that matters, regardless of what the grade is.”  As long as you know you are giving your students your best that is all that matters. The only person you should compete with is you.  Do not stress yourself by what another teacher does.  We are all different with different dynamics.   There are plenty of things that I did in the 2013-2014 school year that I will never do again. Remember contrast gives clarity.

We can only teach our students, it is their responsibility to apply the knowledge we share with them and also the parents responsibility to support our teaching.  WE (TEACHERS) are more than just a score. Versus focusing on the score reflect on the growth you have seen in each student since the first day of school.  Growth regardless of how small is good.  Trust that your students are leaving you better than they came.  

I think anyone teaching, or working in general can appreciate this photo.

Respectfully yours,

A teacher that had scores last year in all subjects that exceeded her predecessors and also increased her overall Compass Score and that is rated highly effective and received a score of 4 on her Compass this year. <- I say this to show that even those who are considered effective still know that test scores do not solely reflect a teachers ability.

Teachers please do the following for yourself during this testing season: 

-Relax
-Go to a spa
-Treat yourself every single day to something you want/enjoy
-Look at the good and not the bad
-Allow room for error (contrast gives clarity)
-Praise yourself
-Remember you can only control you
-Do YOUR best
-Speak Affirmations Daily
-Encourage other teachers
-LOL!  Think about your first year teaching and how far you have come. GLORY!!!! Rome was not built in a day.