Here in DeKalb County, our 3rd through 5th grade students are in the middle of a two-week testing window for the Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS). This test measures students content knowledge on math, science, social studies, and ELA and determines their readiness for the next grade. If you’re thinking, that sounds like a lot of pressure to put on just one measure, it is—and our students feel it too! However, at ICS we know that this is just one of many other important measures of student knowledge. Whether you’re also in GMAS season or in another district with different testing formats, we hope there’s something to learn from these resources from school counselor Ms. Flores.
There are many signs that spring is coming and is in the air from the blooms on trees to birds singing. When you are in a school, you also know that spring is coming because you begin to hear preparation and discussion around state testing.
Just like the beauty of spring can also bring allergy symptoms to some, testing may be intended to to see student growth and achievement but can also bring symptoms of anxiety and stress to many.
Here at ICS, we are obligated to give the state-mandated test and know that it provides valuable information about a student’s learning. However, we also know that this test is not the ultimate demonstration of a student’s learning, achievement and growth. It is one data point amongst many that allow us to see a student’s learning journey. Students are more than this one test!
Two of our ICS statements of understanding say it best:
- We believe that everyone is inherently able to learn and it is our collective responsibility to nurture the unique genius of every person.
- We believe in educating the whole child – their physical, intellectual, social, emotional, cultural and creative selves. Teaching in a culturally responsive lens, we view socio-emotional development as important as promoting academic excellence.
Our students demonstrate their learning in various ways at ICS, from classroom assessments, projects, collaborative learning, and more. State testing is a reality and we value this as one piece of data. We prepare our students and approach this as an opportunity for the 3rd through 5th graders going through the exams to show off their learning.
"We approach this as an OPPORTUNITY for our 3rd through 5th graders going through the exams to SHOW OFF their learning."
To minimize the stress and anxiety that standardized testing can produce, we provide them not only with the academic skills needed, but also social and emotional support.
Our community encourages each other with our lower grades providing letters and banners of affirmation for our older students taking the test.
As a school, we all work together to be flexible with modified schedules and respectful of those testing by providing an optimal testing environment.
Our partners help contribute as well. Last year, we were so thankful to have a mental health professional from the International Rescue Committee give a virtual presentation to our 3rd-5th graders on strategies to combat anxiety! Students are taught the process of identifying how they’re feeling, and being detectives of their negative thoughts.
For example, take the thought of “I can’t do this,” one that’s so common when faced with the screen of the testing portal. Encourage students to ask why they believe this? Is it because you think the exam is difficult? Can you think of other times outside of school when you thought you couldn’t do something but you were able to figure it out? Being a detective and questioning your negative thoughts helps students to ultimately reframe the thought into something more empowering: “This is hard, but I have done hard things in the past and learned how to get through it.”
Even a simple pause for a deep belly breath can make a huge difference for students, and is even something that can be done silently in the test room.
Another important thing we emphasize is creating a successful structure for students around testing. The GMAS test spans multiple days of exams. Taking ownership of their routine like getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and positive thought reminders can help students feel prepared going into testing!
At the end of the day, we know that this test does not define our students or ICS as a school….we will simply do as we do everyday at ICS and show how we are growing and succeeding as ICS Global Citizen Dragons!
Charlotte Flores, Director of Community and Culture, leads the way on community engagement and strategic partnerships at ICS, as well serving as a school counselor for our students. Her work in family engagement has been recognized at the Georgia Charter School Association, Building Hope IMPACT Summit, and the IB Global Conference.
