And just like that it is April! Just like any year, this year has been filled with ups and downs. We have learned along with our students. We have celebrated and we have cried. Now it feels like the moment of truth is upon us as MAP testing has arrived, but is it really a moment of truth? As a teacher, we know what Susie Sunshine knows and doesn't know. We are experts at collecting data and using it. Yes, this test is necessary for those outside the classroom to take a peek inside, but as a teacher we know where Susie has really grown. As we were talking this week about a student that may not yet show proficient on the MAP test, but we know that he can spell more than double the number of sounds that he knew at the beginning of the year. Another student that may not yet be proficient on MAP no longer has behavior problems, even though when he moved into our building earlier this year the previous school called to "prepare" us. Another student spends more time with her head up because she is feeling like she can. As a teacher, MAP testing is a fact of life, but let's not put too much stock in it or stress ourselves (an more importantly our students) more than necessary. Let's think of this as a time to celebrate and show what we do know. We've got this!
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