n today’s episode, I’m sharing how you can take the spotlight off standardized testing—and shift your school’s focus back to what really matters. This is The Principal’s Handbook. Stay tuned.

Welcome to The Principal’s Handbook, your go-to resource for principals looking to revamp their leadership approach and prioritize self-care. I’m Barb Flowers, a certified life coach with eight years of experience as an elementary principal.

Each week, we explore strategies for boosting mental resilience, managing time effectively, and nurturing overall wellness. From handling daily challenges to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, we’ll navigate the complexities of school leadership together. Welcome to a podcast where your well-being is the top priority.

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Today we’re talking about how to take the spotlight off standardized testing.

This time of year, many schools—especially in Ohio, where I am—are preparing for state assessments or end-of-year testing. And while these assessments can offer useful data, the pressure surrounding them can cause unnecessary stress for both teachers and administrators.

Even when a district tries not to emphasize testing, educators still feel pressure—especially when scores are published publicly on state report cards. Anyone in the community can access these scores and compare schools, which puts immense pressure on teachers, leaders, and students. But as educators, we know that test scores are influenced by many factors: socioeconomic status, parental involvement, and access to resources—things far beyond our control.

As a principal, I’ve felt that pressure too. But I’ve learned to remind myself: these are just one piece of the puzzle. We can’t let them dominate our attention or define our success.

🧠 Why We Need to Shift the Focus

Standardized testing isn’t inherently bad—but it shouldn’t be the only thing that matters. Too often, students don’t take the tests seriously, or they finish them quickly without effort. That’s not a true measure of their growth or our teaching effectiveness.

Let’s talk about how to take the spotlight off testing without dismissing it entirely—so we can focus on practices that truly serve our students and teachers.

✅ 6 Ways to Take the Spotlight Off Standardized Testing

1. Use a Variety of Data Sources
Don’t rely solely on state test scores. Incorporate data from multiple sources like MAP, Acadience, or formative classroom assessments. In my school, we use both MAP and Acadience, and I love how they give us insight into student growth across the year.

MAP even tracks things like rapid guessing, which tells us how seriously a student took the test—something state testing doesn’t measure. Use this data in PLCs just like you would with any other assessment. When testing becomes “just another data point,” it loses some of its pressure.

2. Normalize the Testing Process
Make testing feel like a normal part of learning—not a high-stakes event.

In Ohio, we have access to a testing portal where teachers can create practice assessments using released state test questions. This helps ensure instruction is aligned to the rigor of the standards—not to teach to the test, but to expose teachers and students to the format and expectations.

Using practice tools helps students become familiar with the digital platform and reduces anxiety. It’s not about “prepping for the test.” It’s about making the experience routine.

3. Remove the Pressure
Pressure helps no one. Educators already feel it, whether we put it on them or not. That pressure can trickle down to students—many of whom already experience anxiety or have accommodations for testing-related stress.

Avoid countdowns or hyping up the test too much. Normalize it. Teach kids to approach all assessments with focus, not fear. Let this be just another opportunity to show what they’ve learned.

4. Focus on What’s Best for Students
The real goal isn’t test prep—it’s good instruction.

Are we:

• Teaching the standards with fidelity?

• Using evidence-based strategies?

• Differentiating to meet individual needs?

Then we’re doing our jobs. Don’t let testing distract from what matters: helping kids grow. I’ve seen too many classrooms focused on test-taking strategies instead of helping kids learn to read. Let’s not waste time on “tricks” when students need skills that will support them long-term.

5. Promote a Growth Mindset
Encourage teachers and students to view scores as one data point in a much bigger picture. Testing is a way to learn what students know—and what they still need. That’s it.

Help your staff reflect on the data with a lens of curiosity, not judgment. Use it to improve instruction. This is what PLCs are for—digging into the data and adjusting our strategies, just like we would for any other assessment.

6. Reflect and Refocus
After testing, engage staff in conversations about:

• What worked?

• What didn’t?

• What instructional changes can we make moving forward?

Let testing be a reflective tool, not a performance review. When educators feel safe reflecting on data without fear of blame, they’re more likely to improve and grow.

🎯 The Bigger Picture

If you implement these strategies:

• You’ll ease the pressure on teachers and students

• You’ll focus more on long-term growth and wellness

• You’ll foster a culture of learning, not performance

Testing shouldn’t dominate your school culture. Instead, let it serve as one of many tools to inform your leadership and your teachers’ instruction.

👥 Want Support?

If you’re a principal looking to elevate your leadership and well-being, I’d love to support you through one-on-one coaching. Together, we’ll build resilience, clarify your goals, and help you lead with purpose—without burnout.

💬 DM me on Instagram @barbflowerscoaching or visit barbflowerscoaching.com to schedule a free consult.

💡 Final Thought

Keep in mind: you have the power to shape your life—and your leadership—according to the mindset you choose.

I hope you have a great week, and I’ll see you back here next time on The Principal’s Handbook.