Principal's Corner

Time for Testing

Testing Season is upon us, and I have such mixed feelings this time of year. Of course, I want to see our students soar, demonstrating how much they know and how much they’ve learned. I also cannot help but think about the equity issues inherent in these tests, as historically they have been used to exclude our students.  

The Black Teacher Project, an arm of the National Equity Project’s Center for Equity Leadership, published a note from their Director in their April newsletter that really resonated with me. The Director wrote: “Assessments have been used to help us identify what we know and what we still need to learn. They have also been used as tool of oppression. As we help students navigate this time of the year, let us remind them that they are capable. One tip: Before an exam, ask students to share one thing they are good at. Remind them that they are all good at different things and they will continue to learn, so that they can make their lives better and their communities stronger.”

As we enter into this month of testing, please find ways to remind your students that they are more than just a test score. Please remind them of all of the strengths that they bring with them to school every day. Please remind them that they belong in our classrooms and that they can be the people and the scholars that they want to be. Please remind them that you love them.