You are so much more!

You are not your test score!  You are so much more!

There are many things that standardized tests can’t measure. Tests can’t predict who will “succeed” in life, regardless of your definition of success. Tests can’t tell a child what he needs to improve, or how to improve it.

These tests don’t recognize our most creative thinkers. We need to celebrate these thinkers because our world needs all the creative problem solvers it can get. Tests don’t measure kindness, perseverance, generosity, creativity, resilience, and collaborative skills. Skills that will likely get them farther than a test score will.

As we enter our final two days of the state assessment and soon head into our final round of STAR testing, let’s keep in mind that we are entrusted with these children to help them grow, learn and develop skills for life. Yes, test taking is a skill. But, this skill alone does not prepare a child for life and career.

As, I helped students and teachers navigate our state assessment last week, I kept thinking:  “ You are NOT your test score!”  This test does not measure the essence of the child or the teachers teaching them. It is one little blip on the road of life.

Last year, I found a letter on a blog post and was inspired to write my own letter to my students, letting them know they have many gifts beyond taking a test.  I thought I would share the letter I found written by head teacher at Barrowford Primary School with you:

Letter:

Please find enclosed your end of KS2 test results. We are very proud of you as you demonstrated huge amounts of commitment and tried your very best during this tricky week.

However, we are concerned that these tests do not always assess all of what it is that make each of you special and unique. The people who create these tests and score them do not know each of you- the way your teachers do, the way I hope to, and certainly not the way your families do.

They do not know that many of you speak two languages. They do not know that you can play a musical instrument or that you can dance or paint a picture. They do not know that your friends count on you to be there for them or that your laughter can brighten the dreariest day.

They do not know that you write poetry or songs, play or participate in sports, wonder about the future, or that sometimes you take care of your little brother or sister after school.

They do not know that you have travelled to a really neat place or that you know how to tell a great story or that you really love spending time with special family members and friends.

They do not know that you can be trustworthy, kind or thoughtful, and that you try, every day, to be your very best… the scores you get will tell you something, but they will not tell you everything.

So enjoy your results and be very proud of these but remember there are many ways of being smart.

Let’s help child recognize the importance of the virtues that tests can’t measure. Children everywhere deserve to know they are so much more than a test score.