Finish Strong!

What would you think about the home contractor who built a nice foundation, but from that point up, his work is pretty shoddy?  How about the marathon runner who sprints the first 285 yards and then walks the final 26 miles?  How about a baker whose products have an inviting aroma, but taste like they were half-baked?  How about the auto mechanic who changes your oil filter, but neglects to refill the engine oil?  How about the actress who does an excellent job in Act I, but never memorized her lines for the remainder of the play?  What would you think of the hostess who served undercooked food at a dinner party? How about the concrete crew who poured the cement for your new driveway, but failed to smooth it?  How about the tire center that only put 24 PSI of air in your tires instead of the standard 32? The fast food drive-thru that only gave you three- quarters of your order? The shoe store that gave you only one and three-quarters of shoes in the box?  The lawn crew who left 25% of your yard uncut?  In all of these, you are looking for someone to finish the job.

Now that the ISTEP is completed, many would think that the gig is essentially over.  Wrong!  There is still a job to finish!  Do this for the kids.  Do this for your colleagues.  Yes, it is understandable that there are some issues with having the state tests, the ones that are supposed to measure the academic achievement and academic progress of a student at a particular grade level over a school year in time is given in two parts – one 5 weeks before the end of the school year and one 12 weeks before we close up shop.   Now that the results are not expected back until sometime in the Fall, why not let us teach what needs to be taught until the end?  Let’s not go to the flaws of having two versions of the exam and two ways to take it and then compare the results as though everyone had the same playing field. Then, of course, the state insists on comparing growth on two different sets of standards rather than using this year as a base measure.  To say that some folks are disgruntled would be an understatement.  I have listened to and read opinions from colleagues around the state, parents, teachers, students, and the general public.  We have no control over these concerns and that is not what this message is about.  What we have now is an opportunity. Yes, we have an opportunity to make a difference.  Let’s face it – this may be the final chances that you will get to formally teach those kids that have been in your class since August. There is still a great deal more to teach our students this school year.  Think about those long-term goals that we are striving for in all subjects.  Think ahead of what these kids really need to successfully begin the next grade level.  Think about what they haven’t been taught yet in more than the academic sense.  Each grade level has some exciting events left.  Those are fairly large culminating projects that the kids have been working on for quite some time. It sends the wrong message to have “count down” calendars posted. The kids know how many days are left. We don’t need to advertise this.  We all need to finish strong with our best effort.  We need to finish the job.