LEAD is Ready for TNReady Testing
One of the most important assessments of the year is right around the corner for LEAD students. According to the Tennessee Department of Education, TNReady is a test designed to assess true student understanding — not just basic memorization and test-taking skills — and the best way to understand what our students know and what we can do to help them succeed in the future.
All LEAD students must complete the TNReady test in-person at their school building. Each school is communicating with families individually about exact times and dates students need to be present on campus.
Dominique Torres, Dean of Instruction at LEAD Neely’s Bend, says that testing can invoke a sense of fear and anxiety in students and staff, but that shouldn’t be the case.
“All students should feel proud of the work they have put in this year and the effort they put in on the assessments,” Torres said. “The only thing we expect from all of our students is that you put forth your best effort and try your best. Show us what you know and all that you have learned this year.”
Torres hopes students and families approach the testing as a way to show how much progress they’ve made over the last year, despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is extremely important for students to participate in TNReady every year, but especially this year as schools not only in Tennessee but across the nation are dealing with learning loss as a result of the pandemic,” Torres said.
TNReady test results give schools, parents, and students critical data on student’s academic progress and identifies any gaps that need to be closed. The data helps LEAD schools plan a path for all students to reach their goals.
The Neely’s Bend leadership team is taking a fun and creative approach to preparing students for the testing scheduled for April 21-May 5 on their campus. Students receive prizes when they demonstrate mastery in a subject and get a special shoutout in weekly videos congratulating them on their hard work.
At LEAD Southeast Middle School, students and staff participated in a TNReady-themed Spirit Week April 12-16 to encourage students to attend the in-person tests being held on their campus between April 21-29.
The staff of LEAD Southeast High School see the tests as a way to bring students who haven’t seen each other in more than a year back together. They will test students in the mornings between April 22-27. Each afternoon will feature grade level activities to build culture and camaraderie amongst classmates who haven’t been together in a while!
LEAD Academy High School plans to conduct all initial student tests over three intense days April 21-23 to ensure students can safely participate and focus on the assessments. They sent a letter to families highlighting their protocols to ensure safety and encourage participation.
We are proud of all our LEADers for their hard work this past school year!
