Testing Time

Springtime in Texas means state testing time.  Next week will be the first round of state tests for many of our students.  It’s this time of year that central administrators, campus administrators, students, and parents become a little anxious.  Stress levels are at an all-time high.  As leaders, we must remain calm as role models of how to handle this stressful time.  Below are a few tips on how to create a calm and confident environment.
 
Breathe
It sounds simple, but it really works.  When you find yourself getting a little overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths.  Remember that there is nothing more you can do at this point.  If there are areas in planning where you think you could have better prepared your students, write them down in your 2018-2019 folder.  For the students who will test next week, there is nothing more you can do.  Believe that you have done everything you knew to do and pray for the best.
 
Flip the Switch
When I taught 3rd grade for the first time, I pumped my students up by telling them state testing time was the best time ever.  This is the time of year that you get to show the state how very smart you are.  You get to show them all that you know.  I treated it like a game day.  We’ve had practice after practice.  You know the game plan… now it’s time to play the game!
I was excited about it and in return, they were excited about it.
 
Cheer Them On
Most of the schools I’ve worked in have put signs up in the hallways to cheer the testers on.  You can also ask your primary grade students to write letters to the upper elementary students.  This is a great way to involve the younger students and to teach them how to motivate others.
 
To all campus administrators, teachers, parents and students… HAPPY TESTING!