Heyyy SuperTeachers,
I know we are still in the thick of high-stakes testing. So I will be sure to repost this again in Sept/Oct. But I had to share this post now, because one of the most liberating mindset shifts I experienced as an educator was when I finally understood HOW to use my students' state test scores to help them grow.
If you’re like many educators, you may have mixed feelings about state testing.
The high-stakes nature of these tests are often anxiety-inducing, and let’s be honest—sometimes the test feels more like a tool for judgment rather than a too for learning.
But what if we approached these test and the scores differently?
Instead of seeing test scores as final verdicts on student ability, we could use them as roadmaps for growth.
But first, let's talk about how frustrating these score release dates are!
In Massachusetts, state test scores are [fully] released in November—well into the new school year. In my opinion releasing the test scores in November for tests that were taken in March, May and June of the previous year, subtly sends a message that the data isn’t a priority, while simultaneously expecting educators, students, and families to take it seriously.
How can we use the data to drive instruction when it arrives so late in the game, competing with all the other pressing priorities of a new school year?
The short answer: instructional leadership must make reviewing the data a priority— not to penalize or shame, but to learn from.
Too often, test scores are either: Ignored or Weaponized
Ignored—because they arrive so late &/Or because educators feel uncomfortable interpreting the scores.
Or
Used as weapons—to blame teachers, label students, or make high-stakes decisions without real context.
Neither approach helps students succeed.
What we need is a mindset shift—one that moves away from fear and perfectionism, towards reflection and strategy.
Why Many Educators Avoid Data—and Why That Needs to Change
Let’s be real: many educators (and students) are uncomfortable with numbers.
Data analysis isn’t always emphasized in teacher training, and the way test results are reported can feel overwhelming. This discomfort often leads to avoidance, with many teachers skimming over their students’ scores without truly engaging with them.
The problem? When we don’t look at the data, we miss out on valuable insights that could actually help our students thrive.
So, what are we going to do differently? We are looking at the numbers.
In the next post , I’ll share the two key data points that actually matter—and how you can use them to shift student mindset from perfectionism to reflective goal-setting.
Join the Conversation:
How do you currently use state test scores in your classroom? Do you find them helpful, stressful, or both? Drop a comment below!
Need more support?
Let’s talk!
Every classroom is different, and sometimes you just need a thought partner to figure out what works best for you and your students. If you’d like to dive deeper into instructional strategies, student engagement, or just need a fresh perspective, schedule a coaching call! No pressure—just real talk and actionable steps to help you thrive.
Schedule a time that works for you here: Scheduling Link
Looking forward to connecting!
~ Dr. O
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