Educators' motivation must continue to stem from the belief system and values that our actions can and will make a difference. There is a direct connection between our actions and student learning. We are challenged to motivate teachers to become problem solvers and plan as teams to be accountable for assessment and analysis of student work,and motivate students to strive to attain their greatest potential regardless of the external demands faced. This must occur whether you are teaching in a high API scoring school or a school that has not met the state mandated score. We must continue to focus on the positive and celebrate student achievement, no matter how large or how small.
Good assessment is the key to good instruction.
But despite what pundits, policymakers or parents may say, assessment is a tool, not the goal. Accountability is an important element in the performance driven system, but without good instruction, curriculum alignment, instructional materials, staff development and other aspects, it is unlikely to produce positive results. We need to change the focus from teaching to learning. Change is stressful. Some of the legislative changes such as social promotion, funding changes and the new statewide accountability system forces some strategic planning to occur.