Funny thing is... The kids are totally ready!
Tomorrow is the big day. Tuesday March 29, marks the day of the first STAAR test of the school year. Everyone is kinda on edge about it, including myself. You think STAAR test, and you just know how much of a big deal it can be. I'm nervous about it, and it's not even my subject tomorrow (they're taking writing...).
I think that one of the biggest things that can really have an effect on a FYT is STAAR testing. In my mind, it's the test at the end of the year that basically tells you how well you did your job during the school year. Did I teach my kiddos all that they need to know? Did I prepare them enough? What are parents going to say if their child doesn't do well? Have I done all that I can to get them ready? It's a BIG deal! But... I think an important thing to realize is that the STAAR test doesn't define who you are as a teacher. Is it important? Yes. Is it the only thing that lets me know I'm doing my job? No. There are many different things that go into being teacher.
The STAAR is just a snapshot of what a student knows. I can work countless hours to prepare them for this test, but ultimately it is on the individual child's shoulders to take the test. There are a number of things that could influence a child's performance on this test, so I don't really think that this is the best way to determine a teacher's effectiveness. You can't ignore the classroom interactions, social interactions, and mini victories throughout the year. The STAAR is important, but it's not the only thing that teachers should be judged on. On that logic, there shouldn't be a reason to stress out so much about it.
The problem is... teachers do stress about it. I know I do.
As a FYT it's reasonable to get stressed out, but I know it's not just FYTs. I work with arguably two of the best 4th grade ELA teachers in the whole district, and I know that they are worried about this test. These two ladies are seriously two of the best teachers I have ever met. One is the current Teacher of the Year for our school, and the other is last year's Teacher of the Year. These ladies are no slackers. If these two are stressed out about this test, how can we expect any other teacher to not stress out?
I know for a fact that they have prepared our kiddos to the best of their abilities, and I have no doubt in my mind that the kids are ready! It's amazing to see the growth in the students' writing from the beginning of the school year to now. It's incredible. It really is. Do we all have days where we feel like no growth happened? Of course, but ladies, y'all have prepared those kids. I know that they are going to rock it tomorrow! Y'all are incredible!
To all the ELA teachers out there... Your kids are going to rock it tomorrow, and you should be proud of all the things you have accomplished this year. Your kiddos wouldn't be where they are without the hard work that you put in for them to be successful! Deep breath... It'll be over before we know it!
Good luck, and Happy Hunger Games!
May the odds be ever in their favor.
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