Still Waters Devotional: The Art of the Testing Coordinator

Romans 15: 4 For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, that by having endurance and encouragement from the Scriptures, we might have hope.

My K-12 years of schooling were before the “digital divide”.  Most of my employment afterwards was in learning centers that didn’t prioritize educating via digital platforms.  For the purposes of this devotional, it is worth noting I am not drawn to technology and do not typically stay current with the latest tech trends. Thus, when my middle-aged self began teaching in an elementary school a few years ago, I hated standardized tests as students complete them on computers.  I preferred good ole paper and pencil over computers.   Anxiety would loom the morning of the test as I anticipated all that could go wrong.  First of all, please understand that these tests are a lot more formal than a unit test.  There is required training for teachers beforehand where dos and don’ts are reviewed.  There is a specific script and strict protocols that must be followed before, during and after the test as well as forms to complete and submit afterwards.  Thus, it should be understood if a teacher’s nerves are a little heightened on these days.  We’re not even going to get into the pressure some of us feel for our students to perform well.

When testing days arrive, it is a feat to have all computers charged beforehand; (most classrooms don’t have enough chargers); have all students properly navigate to the testing site, (one wrong move by one or a glitch and the whole class has to wait); read the mandatory pages of instructions to them; and finally, have them all begin at the same time.  There would always be a mental battle to pray to the Lord and ask for his peace on these days.  Once the test began, I would be on edge, nervous that one of the students would raise their hand due to a technical glitch that prevented them from answering a question or moving forward in the test.  Inevitably, it would happen and the anxiety I felt would grow from fear it would be something I couldn’t fix.

This brings me to the role of the school testing coordinator.   They administer the trainings with all staff that serve a role in giving the assessments.  They also provide all the materials we need before we administer, e.g. the testing manual, pencils and scrap paper for students, and paperwork that must be signed by the teacher for each assessment administered. During testing, the coordinator walks the hallways before, during, and after to ensure everything is running smoothly.  If an issue arises, she is summoned to come and help resolve it.  Sometimes there may be a wait if she is solving a tech problem in another classroom. 

The coordinator’s role reminds me of the Holy Spirit’s.  If we put ourselves in the role of the teachers, the “training manual” on how to administer the test would symbolize the bible, God’s word.  We read the word during our quiet time and hear it in church.  Then, just as teachers have to apply the training they’ve received when they administer a test, we as Christians have to apply the biblical word we’ve read and heard to our daily lives and situations.  Apply is a verb, an action word.  James 1:22 states it is not enough to hear the word, but we must be doers of it, we must apply it and authentically walk with the Lord to the point it is evident that there is something different about us as followers of Christ.  Just as our coordinator provides tools for administering a test, we are fortunate that the Holy Spirit provides various “tools” to help us endure tests and trials.  He gifted us with a valuable and reliable tool, the bible.  If you refer to the theme scripture, Romans 15: 4, we are told it was given to us for instruction and encouragement, two vital things we need in this Christian walk.  This is our “study guide” for the tests and trials we endure.  We are so blessed that wherever we are, we’re able to easily access it on our electronic devices, thus our tests can be viewed as “open book”.  Furthermore, we can also utilize other “tools” for guidance and hope, e.g. biblically based books on subjects relevant to our lives; praise and worship music that strengthens our relationship with the Father; church community and services that encourage us; etc.

While our testing coordinator is one person who can only be in one place at a time, the Holy Spirit is omnipresent, everywhere at once.  Thus, we are fortunate that we don’t have to wait to talk to Him about our issues.  He is always there and longs to commune with us.  We are fortunate that He guides us and helps us as we apply His word, forever the faithful, loving, attentive, Teacher. 

Reflection: What tools encourage you the most during times of testing?  Do you have a routine to implement them on a consistent basis?