It’s days like these that make me wonder if what I’m doing is making any difference in the least. As I watch scores start to come in, and they aren’t good, it just makes me question everything that I’ve done or not done. Am I asking enough of all my students? Am I providing what they need? Am I the right teacher for this age group? Am I the right teacher, period?
True, this is with eighth graders, a new grade level to me this year. However, it makes me really, really nervous to see how the sixth graders will perform tomorrow.
Not a real positive post from someone who works really hard to stay positive, but not a real positive day.
The Life of a Conflicted Teacher 
May 3, 2016 at 2:45 pm
I am so sorry. Even though we know this isn’t how it should be, and these scores don’t really measure what is meaningful, they can still get us down. I’m pretty sure your teaching adds up to way more than these results.
May 3, 2016 at 3:07 pm
Thanks, Cheriee! We’ll look at the data, I’ll feel like a heel because they are my students, and hopefully, I’ll work past it. Just hate that a stupid test makes me feel this way.
May 3, 2016 at 4:35 pm
One snapshot on one day does not equal your worth or theirs. Tests have so many biases and there are so many factors why a student might not get a great score. Think of all you’ve done and the teaching you are proud of….we can’t let scores define us, our kids, our teaching.
May 10, 2016 at 2:11 am
Exactly what I was going to say!
May 3, 2016 at 5:59 pm
Oh tests… Just not the total picture. Too bad so many still think it is!
May 4, 2016 at 9:56 am
Ugh, isn’t that the truth? Most day, my self-worth isn’t measure by this test, so I’m not sure why I’m letting it under my skin this time. Either way, this too shall pass! 🙂
May 3, 2016 at 7:35 pm
Darin, hang in there. 8th grade is a whole ‘other beast from 6th. I had three classes test for ELA today. My last class did the best – they could use any growth from the Fall as good evidence for the reading portion of their ELA grade they get to defend. I think it’s a mindset for the kids. They see it as a test “two weeks after PARCC,” and they get frustrated, too. Chin up. We’re there with you!
May 4, 2016 at 9:54 am
Most of the time, it’s not a big deal. This time, my first year in a different grade level, it’s just more personal for some reason. We’ll move past and things will return to whatever normal is. 🙂
May 3, 2016 at 7:44 pm
Don’t let it get you down! Growth is measured by more than one day of MAP testing.
May 4, 2016 at 9:53 am
That is so true. I’ve had times before where students didn’t do well, but this just stung. I’ll get over myself! 🙂
May 3, 2016 at 8:48 pm
My teeth hurt just thinking about you and your students. That suffering, though, will be temporary since it’s back to learning tomorrow. Hang in, Darin.
May 4, 2016 at 9:52 am
Another day, another test…:) Things will be ok I’m sure. Just stings, that’s all. Thanks for the good words!