See the child, not the score

We hear a great deal about what it means to assess children in schools these days. Policy makers and Ed Reformers love to talk rigorous standards and testing. 
But, I say if we look at the original Latin root assess is assessus "a sitting by," past participle of assidere/adsidere "to sit beside." Nowhere does it say test, nowhere does it say be more rigorous, insist on one size fits all, hold them to tougher standards. Nowhere does it say be objective, cold, and void of any empathy.
It says to "sit beside", it's the sitting with, that gives teachers the data that really matters, helps the child understand this isn't something teachers do to them, but with them.
Both teacher and child learn from each other...  In the real world, the most important data is sitting right next to you. See the child, not the score. Remember hope is born on the wings of our empathy.
These Ed Reformers and policy makers are the ones who never sit beside children, and I say they don't have a clue about teaching and learning.
Respectfully,
Dr. Jesse P. Turner 
Moral Monday Connecticut Ambassador

See the child not the score, give hope, and watch them grow. 

If you want to listen to the tune that inspired my morning walk today...it is More Than a Number by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater and Barry Lane > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_Vf8cwTWRY <