What Measures Growth?

“A teacher knows. No computer or system or standardized test can look into a child’s eyes and recognize true understanding. A teacher does that.” ~ Rafe Esquith 

In many schools around the U.S., we are in the thick of “testing season.” As I’ve mentioned before, in my day job, I get to work with teachers and students from all around the country. For the last few weeks, the main topic of conversation is when districts are testing, how students will score, and what we can practice more diligently before the testing begins. There is certainly importance in standardized testing and having a systemic way to measure students’ academic growth across a state and country. One wondering I sit with is: Why are standardized assessments often the most valued form of measuring growth?

If you and I were sitting together with a warm cup of coffee right now, I’m sure we could talk for a long time about the pros and cons of high-stakes testing, the history behind this, and the very real implications test scores have on schools and districts. (On a side note: I would absolutely love to have this conversation with you!) But for today, I want to ask another question: What measures authentic growth?

Let’s return to our reflection quote for today. In his book, Real Talk for Real Teachers: Advice for Teachers from Rookies to Veterans: "No Retreat, No Surrender!" Rafe Esquith writes, “A teacher knows. No computer or system or standardized test can look into a child’s eyes and recognize true understanding. A teacher does that.” I want to remind you that your observations, daily forms of assessment, and conversations with your students are incredibly important. Your voice and perspective about your students matters! You are a professional with incredible expertise who has spent hundreds of hours with your students. A score on a test they spent only a few hours taking cannot provide the insight you can provide. While I know many districts are not will continue to put pressure on the tests and only look at scores to measure your impact and students growth, please hear this reminder today: You and your students’ worth is not determined by a score on a test. Growth, whether academic or social or emotional, is not demonstrated only by a two-day assessment. Your impact is greater. Your students’ potential far outreaches what test-writers have designed to measure with their multiple choice questions. Thank you for investing in your students and for understanding them deeply. This is what matters in the long run.