As I proctored the PARCC alongside a classroom teacher, I noticed one student in particular working extremely hard, taking her time, checking her work. She even told me that she said a silent prayer before raising her hand to log out for the day.
After testing was finished for the day, she proudly proclaimed that even though the test was hard, she used all of the tools her teachers had given her to be successful. Even though this student was a reader that struggled, she stayed the course, used her tools, and finished the test feeling good about herself. The next day the teacher shared with me a note that student had written thanking her for all that she did to prepare her.
Don’t let the madness of the testing season obscure our everyday successes, whether big or small. No matter what the test results show, know you truly make a difference. As the snow melts and spring approaches, I hope you are able to see the fruits of your labor.