You didn’t pass.

Had to share this news with a few kiddos yesterday. And though I tried to put it into perspective for them, telling them that it was not a defining moment in their lives, that it was just a test, and that they would eventually pass, it was still a hard conversation. It was still “rejection,” and rejection on any level…well, sucks.

He didn’t pass, but he can take an engine apart and put it together again–all by himself. I told him that mattered. A lot.

She didn’t pass. I wonder if the ongoing CPS intervention/investigation had anything to do with it. I told her, again, I am sorry for the trouble she and her family have endured this year.

She didn’t pass, but a look inside her portfolio from this year, would tell the tale of she did not fail. I reminded her of that and of how proud I am of her growth this year.

He didn’t pass. He doesn’t care. He has never passed. He quit caring a long time ago.

As I sit here thinking about my kiddos, I am struck by the absurdity of it all, for I find from my sixteen years now of state testing (in various forms) it is nothing more than a sorting mechanism, a way to separate “winners” and “losers.”

It has never–I repeat–never provided me with meaningful data to better my instruction. Seems odd, yes? Seems that such a mechanism should serve such an end, But it does not. And those who create and profit from such mechanisms work overtime to convince lawmakers and–educators, too–that without such a mechanism, we couldn’t measure learning. Horse hockey. I will give the lawmakers a little grace–a little, but I will grant no grace to educators. By now, we should know better. This mechanism neither informs nor improves. It sorts, tagging those who have suffered better the game of school, “winners,” and those who have not, “losers.” Kids are not pawns to move around the board. Let’s quit this game. We made the game, so we can change the game. Let’s quit playing pawns.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…growing as writers.

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Wednesday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.