Do you see the sections that I outlined in yellow? That is where the state told me, my parents, my peers, my school, and my teachers that I didn't do enough, that I wasn't enough. It's crazy how two pieces of paper can transport me right back to that time in my life. I can vividly remember what it felt like and the shame that I had in those moments. In my head and my heart, I had let down everyone. The most prominent emotion that I can remember feeling was embarrassment.
But I also remember my mother, sister, and teachers doing everything in their power to remind me of my potential and how this one score would never define the places that I would go and the things that I would do.
This is a message that I shared last year, and it is just as important to share now:
I'm an educator, and I stand behind our kids as so many of my educator friends do. We support you and love you regardless of a bubble sheet. Regardless of a multiple choice question. You are more than this test. More than this score. You are our future, and we are so excited about that future! Take this test and leave it on your desk. Know you did your best and no matter what, you will still change the world. You will still make a difference.
I am so proud of our students, and I am just as proud of our teachers. This test does not and will not define anyone...students, teachers, schools, parents, or districts.
