3 Tools to Navigate Testing Season
This time of year - the beginning of Spring - tends to be the start of an often-stressful season of standardized testing… a season where every instructional moment seems to be as precious as a diamond. Regardless of our feelings about this season of testing anxiety (BIG feelings), we know that we’ve gotta get through it - some way, somehow. I am right there with you, and wanted to share three of the ways I’m handling that this year: podcasts, Twitter chats, and re-doubling my efforts to focus on SEL.
01: Podcasts
I’ve long been a fan of podcasts, but didn’t really start listening to any related to the world of education until about two years ago. One of the things that I love most about podcasts is that it’s something I can follow that isn’t music while doing other things - my commute to work, grading, exercising, cooking, you name it. What made me add education-related podcasts to my repertoire was a need for more relevant PD/coaching, but at my convenience. I didn’t want to have to carve out a specific day and time to get what I need, nor hope that it was something that would be worth my time. I need something I can pause and come back to or even fast-forward through. So without further ado, my favorite education-related podcasts:
The New EDU - Now you KNOW I couldn’t make a podcast list without this one! But truth be told, even if they weren’t my friends, this would still be number one on my list! What I value most about Hope and Wade’s podcast is the sincerity and openness of every conversation they have with their guests. I have felt seen, heard, and valued through these episodes and on more than one occasion cried (big ugly tears) because it was something I truly needed to hear. The episodes run anywhere from about 30-50 minutes long, and don’t necessarily need to be listened to in chronological order if you’re just jumping in. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Stitcher, and Spotify; new episodes are released every Monday. (My favorite episode thus far has been #18: You’ve Got to Start Advocating for Yourself, with Bakari Sellers.)
Angela Watson’s Truth for Teachers - This is another “I would totally recommend this even if they weren’t my friend” entry! I’ve known Angela for years, and hers is the first education-related podcast I listened to (right before I became a guest on it - you can listen to my episodes here). One of the things that draws me in and keeps me coming back for more episodes is Angela’s interview style (and soothing voice). Angela is able to truly zero in on moments with her guests that will resonate with her audience, and is able to distill down takeaways in a way that sticks with you. The episodes run anywhere from 15-45 minutes long, and don’t need to be listened to in chronological order (which is good, because there’s over 200 to choose from). You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple and Google Play; new episodes are released every Sunday. (My favorite episode is EP185: Using inquiry to help kids develop critical consciousness, with Jess Lifshitz.)
Cult of Pedagogy - A staple in the education community for years, Jennifer Gonzalez’s Cult of Pedagogy podcast is one that is not only easy to listen to, but will challenge you to reflect on your practice in a way that feels both supportive and realistic. One of the things that I appreciate about Jennifer’s podcast is the diversity of guests; she has not only educators and administrators on as guests, but has also invited students and parents to share their stories and wisdom. The episodes run anywhere from 20-60 minutes long, and don’t need to be listened to in chronological order. You can subscribe to the podcast on all major podcast distribution sites (use this link to access a list). (My favorite episode is EP. 84: How to Stop Killing the Love of Reading.)
02: Twitter Chats
Raise your hand if you have a Twitter account? (My hand is raised; you can follow me here.) Whatever you currently use Twitter for - adding Twitter chats to your repertoire is an easy way to get some bite-sized, actionable PD that will support you in this season. If you’re unfamiliar with Twitter chats, they’re a way to interact in a structured way about a set topic, at a set time. Twitter chats use hashtags to keep content and participants organized, and use question and answer formatting to help you follow what’s being discussed in the slightly-expanded-but-still-short 240-character limit.
When participating in a Twitter chat, look to the hosting account for the predetermined questions, usually labeled in an Q1, Q2, etc. format. My pro-tip: use Twitter’s drafts function to write your initial answers to these questions (don’t forget to put A[number]: in front of your answer and add the hashtags at the end). This will give you more freedom during the actual chat to focus on the conversation that results once answers are posted. I recommend using a tool like TweetDeck to help you easily follow the chat - as well as replies to your own content.
Some of my favorite Twitter chats to read and/or participate in:
#EdTechChat, Mondays at 8pm EST - this one has been a godsend throughout the pandemic, particularly in adjusting to hybrid teaching.
#EdChat, Tuesdays at 7pm EST - this is the tried-and-true and most populated Twitter chat; I’ve been occasionally participating in this one for almost as long as I’ve had Twitter!
#CultureEd, Tuesdays at 9pm EST - focusing on positive culture in education, this one's for you if you’re focused on school climate.
#TLAP, Mondays at 9pm EST - if you’re a fan of Dave Burgess and the Teach Like a Pirate framework, this chat is always lively!
03: Focusing on SEL
Social-emotional learning, for adults and students alike, is more important than ever. No matter how much pressure the powers that be might leverage during testing season, I’ve committed myself to remaining centered on this truth: my emotional wellness and students’ emotional wellness matters more than anything else. I know that’s easier said than done, because, well, there are just some things we can’t change. I have to proctor tests. Students have to take them (unless their families opt them out). But I don’t have to let that rule me or rule my students. I can channel as much of my energy as possible on ensuring that our social-emotional learning is as present as ever - not just to help us cope through the “have tos” but because after a year (and then some) living through a global pandemic, it’s too important not to.
Luckily, my good friends Hope and Wade know this to be true too. They’ve been working for a long time on developing resources for educators and parents surrounding the topic of SEL, and they recently launched their new SEL course: Sustainable SEL. I’ve been getting sneak peeks during the development of it, and have been eagerly awaiting the launch. As much as I feel like I know about SEL, and as much as I feel like I’ve had success with it in my classroom over the years… I know that I still need the extra support and focus on intentionality (which happens to be the first unit). Emphasizing SEL in your classroom isn’t difficult, but sometimes doing so in a way that is intentional and effective is - and this course takes the guesswork out of that in a big, big way. I can’t recommend it enough!
