Talking About a Test

Families,

As you will notice, your child has completed their first official math "test" of the year. Although we have had several quizzes, a test is more culminating in nature and it provides us with a comprehensive snapshot of how much they have grown and whether or not they have mastered the standards for this unit of study.

When your child gets home, it's easy to look at a high grade, or a lower one, and quickly share your thoughts and feelings about the grade. Although positive reinforcement is crucial and will mean a lot to your child, I would encourage you to make the ultimate goal be for your child to become a self-assured, driven learner and thinker. As the adults in their life, it's important that we all center our conversations on the process that they took to get their score versus the end product--the score they earned.

What is meant by that? What might this look like? Simply look at the assessment with your child and ask them about their effort. What was hardest for them? What was easiest? At what point in the unit did they have to work the hardest? What did they specifically do that gave them success? No matter what the score, the effort and work behaviors that your student exhibited throughout the entire unit should be the focal point. In doing so, we are setting the priorities for them and sending the message that effort trumps all.

Good work habits and consistent effort=sustainable success. In the classroom, we've been hitting home the message that a growth mindset matters, and the way we praise or discuss grades with our children leaves a lasting impression on them as learners. Basically, they buy into what we focus on and it directly impacts the mindset that they adopt.

Please join me in having thoughtful conversations about the work behaviors they demonstrated that contributed to their end grade. And, as always, don't hesitate if you have any questions.

Be well,

Derek
Math Teacher