, Publisher
03-31-2009
For our local public school students and teachers, Wednesday is a very big day.
After months of preparation that began with the start of the school year, students will sit down for the first day of their high-stakes standardized tests.
Starting in grade three all the way through high school, students face tests that will gauge their comprehension of specific Grade Level Expectations. The stakes will be higher for some than for others — fourth- and eighth-graders won’t be able to move on to the next grade level if they don’t pass the LEAP. High school students must score well on the GEE in order to graduate.
Individual schools and the district as a whole also have a lot riding on students’ test performance. The scores are the biggest factor in determining how a school ranks in its School Performance Score.
That’s a lot of stress for our kids.
We have faith in our teachers and in our schools. We know they’ve worked from day one of this school year to prepare students for these tests, which have become so critical on both the state and national levels.
We also believe in our students. We know they’ll do their best. Let’s try not to put too much pressure on them.
Even with all the preparation that’s happened in the classroom, parents also have a role to play in their children’s testing success.
Look for every opportunity to teach, read and explain to kids. Let them know that it’s important to you for them to do well in school, complete homework, study for tests and get enough rest.
With the whirlwind of pre-testing mania that already has been going on, help children stay grounded. Don’t let them become too anxious by helping them to put everything into perspective.
Remember the importance of a good breakfast on test days. Exams will run today-Friday and again Monday-April 7.
Standardized tests are important, but if students pay attention at school and practice, they’ll do well. They don’t need to stress.
There’s no need to panic; our students will be ready.
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