Test Scores, Office Floors, and the Real Work of Leadership

by Dr. Jeff Price, Lessons I’m still learning, living and sharing

Your accountability scores don’t define you. Your response does.

The scores came in and I isolated myself in the office to start pouring over them. A printed copy of the results, a ruler, a pen, and my phone’s calculator. That’s all.

Line by line, kid by kid, number by number. I was meticulous. There wasn’t just a lot riding on these scores, it was everything.

As I began to make some sense of the numbers and the picture became clearer as I got closer to the end of the list, I remember literally sliding onto the floor and crying. But, not out of frustration this time. This was relief, a deep sense of relief and finally getting across the finish line. 

Emotional Whiplash

When results come in, there’s some emotional whiplash. I spent years as the principal of turnaround schools, schools that had been underperforming or slipped backwards. I am keenly aware of the deep despair when the progress you know is happening doesn’t show in the metrics. And, I’ve felt the stunning elation when those scores finally match the hard work teachers and staff have relentlessly done for the kids. I also know all too well the calm exterior leaders put on to mask heartfelt emotions, especially the despair and exhaustion of the miss.

The stories behind the numbers

Accountability is absolutely needed. And, the numbers don’t always tell the full human and emotional side of the story. The scores don’t tell us: about the kid who started coming back to school regularly because they felt seen and heard again…. about the teacher who rebuilt their classroom culture midyear… about the parent who believes their kid is truly cared for and not just “taught.” Yes, the numbers and scores give us information but they do not tell the full story. That is up to us.

Stay Grounded

As the shock and dismay of missed goals rolls over you, remember to stay grounded. Take time to feel the feelings. I can’t say that enough. It’s ok to not be ok. You put a lot into the work and the results aren’t what you thought they would be. That sucks. And, there are steps to help with what you do next.

• Focus on progress, not just proficiency. Remember that progress precedes performance. 
• Decompress before you interpret. How you feel will color what you see. Take a breath. Take several breaths. But slow down and wait. 
• Use the scores as a mirror and know they are not verdicts. Another phrase I’ve picked up recently is that these scores and data are a flashlight. They are not a hammer. 
• Lastly, reconnect with WHY you do what you do before you jump to the what.

This Work Matters

Whether you’re jumping up and down in the hallway celebrating, or sitting in silence, holding back tears and at a loss for words, know that this work matters. This. Work. Matters. The numbers are a snapshot but they are not the whole story.

Your accountability scores don’t define you. Your response does.

So, take a breath. Don’t panic. And lead what comes next.

What to Do Next: A Suggested Timeline

Don’t Panic

Seriously

Team Reflection

• Bring your team together to review the data. Do not do this alone!
• Talk through results before messaging them out
• Hold off on announcements until you’ve processed together
• Make some space for celebrations AND disappointments

Begin the data review

Look for Trends

• Did one content outperform others?
• Was one grade level higher or lower than expected?
• How do these results compare to previous years?
• What surprises you?
• Did interim assessments align with final results?

Dive into student groups

• Begin with general patterns/trends
• Look for grade level and content specific trends
• What surprises you?
• Did the interim assessments align with final results?

Growth matters

What’s different from previous years?

How many kids met or exceeded growth expectations?

Time to Reflect

What questions are you left with?

What do the numbers say or not say?