Thoughts for Thursday : Sometimes Things Need to Change

 In the midst of NECAP Testing, I find myself in a seemingly constant state of mental struggle.

I struggle with students who don't buy into them, and struggle when answering the question "Why do I have to take this?".

I struggle with the disruption and toll it takes on the flow of a month-old school year.

Lastly, I struggle with my own personal feelings regarding standardized testing. 

While I firmly believe that everyone not only learns differently, but tests differently as well, how accurate, necessary and appropriate are these exams?  On the other hand, what are the ways are teachers and the education system being tested on the work that we are doing?  We assess students with clear expectations and rubrics, but there are no such rubrics for teachers.  Are standardized tests really the only way teachers can be scored as well?