So because I travel in somewhat ornery education circles, the very title of this post probably meant I’m the only person who is reading it.
But I wanted to get a point across. I’ve heard multiple people highlight that true “diagnostic assessment”, as opposed to thinking about testing and data rather than thinking about students, is about creating relationships with kids and understand where they are coming from. I agree with this.
But I also think that the first day is about kids testing you.
Testing whether or not you’re ready for them.
Testing whether or not you’re going to get unreasonably mad at little things they do.
Testing whether you’re going to read a list of rules and a syllabus. Or you’re going to do some icebreaker you saw at a conference.
Testing whether you’re going to design things that are captivating, but not corny.
Testing whether you’re kind, compassionate, and caring. And testing if you’re also resolute, passionate and firm in your beliefs.
Testing whether or not you’re cool, but not just cool because you want them to think you’re cool.
Testing whether or not you trust them.
Testing whether or not you’re going to respect them.
Testing whether or not you’re going to be worth their time.
Testing whether or not you’re going to do things that are really important.
Testing whether or not you care about the things they care about, but also care deeply about the things you care about.
This “diagnostic” that your kids administer to you is more high-stakes than any multiple choice test. Thankfully, this isn’t the kind you have to shade in a circle to do well.
Good luck and have fun with them.
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