Today, I stood in a sunlit classroom in Chicago, reading aloud the test instructions: “This test won’t affect your classroom grade.” My jaw nearly hit the floor. After months of drilling and prepping, we tell students—right before the exam—that their effort is, essentially, optional? The irony is almost poetic. We, the teachers, are pressured to teach to the test, yet the students are handed a golden ticket to apathy. I’m no fan of standardized tests, but shouldn’t we encourage a sense of pride and responsibility? The disconnect between the decision-makers and those of us in the trenches is staggering. Maybe I’m missing something—do you think telling kids the test is ‘just for support’ helps or hurts? Let’s hash it out below. If you think I’m wrong, set me straight! 😅 What would you suggest to bridge this gap between policy and practice? Drop your thoughts, and let’s learn from each other! 🤔📚 #EducationDebate #StandardizedTesting #TeacherLife #Education