The end of the school year is quickly approaching! Very soon, schools will be hosting a myriad of end-of-year activities including graduation, prom celebrations, awards receptions, picnics, field days, and yearbook signing activities. However, before we host these festive activities, we must get through: SOL TESTING!
May is testing month for all schools in Prince William County, as well as the entire state of Virginia. Yes, testing takes over a month to complete. It is a stressful time for EVERYONE. In a previous column, I mentioned that Virginia’s teacher evaluation now includes student academic progress. Have all students learned this year? All teachers in PWC work very hard to ensure their students are learning and making progress. It’s just a little worrisome, though, that 40 percent of our evaluation is based on that progress made by students.
To prepare students, teachers, parents and administrators for this time of testing, I have some words of wisdom to share, given to me from fellow educators, current and former students and administrators. Read on:
Students: The month of May will seem to drag on for eternity. But it will end soon, and June will mark the end of the school year. You can get through it! To be successful, rely on your friends, parents and teachers for their support.
*A SCORE ON A TEST DOES NOT DEFINE WHO YOU ARE AS A STUDENT!
Parents: Please understand the importance of your children being in school. Attendance is key to successful learning. Encouraging your children to eat breakfast, especially during testing, can do wonders for their energy and concentration levels. Discussing the importance of education and studying with children can be the single most important thing you do as a parent to instill life-long learning. Parents and teachers are on the same page – we want your child to learn and succeed. A SCORE ON A TEST DOES NOT DEFINE WHO YOUR CHILD IS AS A PERSON!
Administrators: Whether you are a principal or central office employee, understand that the pressure you feel from your boss trickles down to your teachers. We are all working for the same thing – impacting student learning. Remember that your teachers are working very hard to ensure student learning and success. A SCORE ON A TEST DOES NOT DEFINE WHO YOU ARE AS AN ADMINISTRATOR! PLEASE REMEMBER THIS ALSO APPLIES TO YOUR TEACHERS!
Teachers: The pressure handed down from administration and the state is enough to make any teacher feel the stress. Deep breathing will help you get through this. Rely on your colleagues for help and support. Know that you have made a difference in the lives of many children and keep that close to your heart. Positive attitudes are contagious; if you are stressed, your students will feel the stress. You have your students for seven hours a day; let go of the things you cannot control once they leave your classroom. A SCORE ON A TEST DOES NOT DEFINE WHO YOU ARE AS AN EDUCATOR!
And last but not least, A SCORE DOES NOT DEFINE PUBLIC EDUCATION AND WHAT EDUCATORS DO EVERY DAY! Good luck students, parents, administrators and teachers on what promises to be a very stressful month. In the end, June 18 will come, scores will be analyzed and over-analyzed, and in September, we get to start this all over again.
Riley O’Casey is a local educator who teaches middle school social studies. She is also an active member of the Prince William County Education Association.
This column is an opinion piece and does not necessarily reflect the views of Bristow Beat, its editors, writers or sponsors.
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