4 Ways Administrators Can Support Teachers During Testing Season

When the calendar turns to springtime, people everywhere start thinking about warm weather, new beginnings, and enjoying the outdoors. For teachers, however, spring signals the start of what can be a hectic, exhausting, and at times frustrating part of the school year—test season.

As students across the nation begin taking their seats for standardized tests, they do so with the encouragement and support of their teachers. These same teachers have often spent hours of classroom instruction time diligently working to prepare their students for the tests, putting together thoughtful lessons to establish familiarity with content, teaching test-taking strategies, and calming anxieties about sitting for exams. Teachers are the pillars that support students during test season. But who is supporting the teachers?

The Need for Teacher Support During Testing

Discussions during faculty meetings and hallway conversations about state assessments and other standardized tests often demonstrate the frustrations teachers feel about mandated testing, from the amount of time that tests take away from genuine classroom instruction to the fear that teachers will be judged based on the performance of their students. In short, test season is difficult for teachers across the board.

Principals and other school administrators are in a unique position to support teachers and other school personnel during this time.

Through positive interactions, genuine expressions of care for teachers’ overall well-being, and a portrayal of confidence in the school team, administrators can help teachers not only survive but thrive during test season.

Practical Ways Administrators Can Support Teachers in Test Season

Here are four ways school administrators can help motivate and support teachers during assessment time.

1. Provide Regular Reassurance of Teachers' Worth

The meticulously scheduled and scripted hours of test administration can leave some teachers feeling unable to do the job they signed up for or make valuable connections with students.

It is up to the leadership team to remind teachers of the value they bring by reassuring them through motivating and encouraging discourse that their work matters a great deal to students and to the community—even during testing.

A few ideas for encouragement:

• Use data from prior test results to demonstrate how teachers' hard work and dedication have led to an increase in scores.

• Share touching stories via email or during meetings that highlight teacher support and student success during assessments.

• Post affirmations and notes of encouragement in faculty lounges or common spaces.

2. Give the Gift of Time

Testing puts extra pressure on teachers who can often feel crunched for time as it is. With this in mind, be cognizant of your educators' schedules and take steps to reduce the impact of testing. Prior to the start of testing season, allocate technical training time for teachers who will be administering computer-based assessments.

• Reduce the number of meetings or reschedule lower-priority gatherings to a more suitable date.

• Ensure coverage for teacher breaks and reassign duties whenever possible to allow teachers to make up for lost time.

• Offer designated prep periods for teachers to organize materials and decompress from the demands of testing.

Teachers want to know that school leadership values and respects their time and responsibilities, and simple adjustments can go a long way toward demonstrating this.

3. Ensure Communication Is Clear and Prompt

Assessments often bring many changes to the regular school environment. Alterations to schedules, room assignments, duties, and job expectations typically arise during test administration. By clearly communicating these changes to the team, you can ensure teachers feel informed and equipped for the changing tides.

• Provide detailed testing schedules well in advance.

• Offer a point of contact for immediate assistance with test-related issues.

• Create a digital hub where teachers can access important updates and FAQs.

As teachers often prepare for classes a week (if not more) in advance, it is important to relay any changes to the schedule or task load as soon as possible. Doing so will reduce stress and frustration related to last-minute notice.

4. Show Appreciation for Teachers' Efforts

Testing can take a toll on teacher morale and enthusiasm, but little tokens of appreciation can go a long way in boosting motivation.

Consider these suggestions to show support for teachers' hard work

• Surprise teachers with random acts of kindness—cover an extra duty, supply treats in the teachers' lounge, or announce a special after-school snack in a central location.

• Send an encouraging email telling teachers how much you appreciate their work on the front lines during testing.

• Bring in a service (such as a local yoga instructor or a massage chair) to help teachers relax after school. Many community members and local businesses are happy to reward the efforts of teachers by donating or discounting their goods or services.

• Take time during a scheduled meeting to reiterate support and appreciation for teachers' commitment to student success.

Don't Forget Teacher Appreciation Week!

In the rush of spring testing, be sure not to forget about Teacher Appreciation Week, which takes place during the first week of May. Recognizing your teachers' hard work during this week can serve as a great morale boost when educators need it most.

Conclusion

By taking the time to express appreciation and help teachers overcome the challenges and frustrations of testing season, administrators and members of school leadership teams can help foster a community of support within a faculty.

When properly supported, teachers are better equipped to focus on the needs of their students, resulting in a more positive test environment for all involved.