In 2017, kids . . . not tests

As the new year begins, those of us who work with students, who teach students, who see students every day need to remember that those students are the most important part of our lives.

It is tempting for us to focus on things that, while very public, are, in the long run, not that important. State assessments, top-to-bottom rankings, online school reviews. We want those rankings, those scores, those public pronouncements to show us in the best light possible.


But what we need to focus on is our students. Each and every day.

Don't misunderstand me. I realize that our responsibility is to ensure that students learn. We need to make sure that students can read, write, do math, solve problems. We need to make sure that our students can be critical thinkers and problem solvers.

But . . . students come first. I will learn names. I will say hello. I will listen to them. I will treat them with respect. I will make sure that they know that someone cares.

I will commit my work this new year to my students. I hope that you do as well.