posted on September 26, 2024

By Kaitlin Anselmo Pothireddy

The school year is in full swing, and for teachers of PK-2 students, that means it’s time for the first round of assessments. Assessments help teachers, parents, and administrators understand how students are doing, but for young kids, the process can be stressful. As a school administrator, your support can make all the difference in helping teachers manage assessments while keeping their classrooms calm and focused.

Here’s how you can help your teachers (and their students) get through this busy time with less stress and more success!

Why early childhood assessments matter

Assessments in early childhood aren’t just about tests. Teachers gather important information by observing kids and tracking their progress over time. This helps them plan lessons that meet kids where they are and help them grow. It also lets teachers share updates with parents, so they know what’s going well and what could use a little extra work at home.

But here’s the catch: assessments take time, and in a classroom full of busy little ones, that can feel like a lot to handle.

Give teachers the time and resources they need

One of the best ways to help your teachers during assessment season is by making sure they have enough time and support.

• Carve out planning time: Teachers need dedicated time to prepare, observe, and document assessments. Giving them extra planning periods or early release days can help lighten the load.
• Extra hands in the classroom: If possible, bring in aides or parent volunteers during assessment times. An extra set of hands means teachers can focus on the assessments without the chaos of keeping a classroom running.
• Use flexible tools: Observational assessments let teachers observe students during normal classroom activities, so assessments don’t have to feel like a big disruption. 

Don’t forget about SEL (social-emotional learning)

Assessments can be stressful for kids, especially when they’re still so young. That’s where social-emotional learning (SEL) comes in. If kids feel anxious or overwhelmed, they’re less likely to show their true abilities during assessments. Helping teachers build SEL into their classrooms can make a big difference.

Here are a few ideas to pass along to your teachers:

• Try emotional check-ins: Encourage teachers to use simple tools like an emotion chart or the free Khan Academy Kids emotion wheel to help kids talk about their feelings before assessments. This can help them feel heard and understood, making them more relaxed.
• Add mindful moments: A short breathing exercise or calming activity can go a long way in easing stress before or after assessments. A quick “quiet time” or guided visualization can bring the whole class back to a calm state.
• Use fun SEL lessons: The Khan Academy Kids app has lessons that teach kids about big feelings like frustration, excitement, and everything in between. These can be perfect for brain breaks during the day, helping kids work through emotions while learning something valuable.

Promote growth mindset and mastery learning

One of the most powerful ways to support students during assessment season is by encouraging a growth mindset and promoting mastery learning. These approaches help children see learning as a journey where mistakes are part of the process rather than something to fear.

• Train teachers on growth mindset: Offer professional development on growth mindset. Teach teachers to encourage phrases like “I can’t do this yet,” shifting the focus from what students can’t do to what they are learning to do. This helps kids see their progress and stay motivated.
• Promote mastery learning: Encourage teachers to allow students to revisit concepts they haven’t mastered. Mastery learning means focusing on deep understanding rather than moving quickly through material. When kids know they have time to learn and practice, they’ll feel less pressure during assessments.
• Incorporate growth mindset and mastery into assessments: Help teachers use language that supports growth mindset during assessments. When students are told that it’s okay to make mistakes and that they can keep improving, assessments become less about judgment and more about learning.

Keep parents in the loop

Parents want to know how their child is doing, and assessments give teachers a great opportunity to share progress. But remember, not every parent knows what these assessments mean. It’s important for teachers to explain the results in a way that highlights growth and potential, not just numbers and scores.

• Use simple, clear reports: Make it easy for teachers to share updates with parents by providing templates or guidelines they can use. A quick chat or email update can go a long way in keeping everyone on the same page.
• Celebrate growth: Remind teachers to celebrate progress, no matter how big or small. Focusing on how far a child has come can help build confidence for both the student and the parent.

Bring calm to the classroom

Assessment season doesn’t have to be stressful. By supporting your teachers with time, resources, and SEL tools, you can help make this time of year a little smoother for everyone. A calm, happy classroom is a productive one, and with the right support, teachers can balance assessments while keeping kids engaged and learning.

Want to learn more?

Check out how Khan Academy Kids can help teachers bring SEL into their classrooms during assessment season with fun, free resources. From emotional check-ins to mindful moments, Khan Academy Kids has tools that make assessments a lot less stressful. To learn more, sign up for a call with our team.