The Last Word
Communicating achievement-test results to your children is a delicate task. If done well, it can have a positive impact and be very motivating. For most children who ask the question directly, “How did I do,” a deeper question often lies below the surface.
Have you ever had one of these experiences, or one like them?
The lab results are in. The doctor says “over all everything looks good. Cholesterol levels good, blood sugar fine, triglyceride’s number is improving…” You’re feeling good for a few moments and then he says, “However, there is one result I think we need to look into more closely. I’d like you to see a specialist.”
Your department head says, “We’re really glad you’re part of the team here. Your assignments are carried out promptly, you have great rapport with your colleagues, you communicate the department’s vision well, we’re definitely on the same page, but there is one thing…”
One thing… not a big thing mind you, nothing really serious, nothing truly to concern yourself with, but there is one thing…
A parent says, “You did a great job! Your extra study of comma usage really paid off and boosted your language mechanics’ score. Memorizing your math facts made the computation test easy to complete and you had time left over to check your work. But I did notice one thing…”
It’s part of our makeup to pay undue attention to that “one thing” (and what it is really isn’t the issue) and allow it to negate all the positive things said, the things that affirm that what we have done is acceptable. The slightest bit of doubt can sometimes derail us in a significant way. Some students are less susceptible to this condition than others, but all are affected to one degree or another. Down deep all of us want affirmation.
When it comes to communicating achievement-test results to your children, assuming you decide to, the message your children mainly want to hear from you is that you’re pleased with them. There is always next year to work on what they missed. Hearing this from you is important. Achievement testing is not the last word, the final word.
Yours is!
Thanks for reading
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
It’s the final to week to take advantage of discount pricing on achievement tests for 2021. If you plan to test this spring and want to save some money, register and pay for testing by Sunday, January 31. You may schedule your student’s test anytime in 2021 so take a look now at the 2021 remote group testing dates.
Beginning February 1st, prices go up.
To take advantage of this offer, go here.
