Spiritual Lessons from Standardized Testing

This week my kids are completing their annual standardized testing.  It is later in the year than we normally do so, and it is the first year for any of my younger kids that the testing is a state requirement.  We have done it every year as a family regardless of where we lived, however, as it provided the opportunity for me to assess their academic strengths and weaknesses. Knowing that the results have to be reported to an outside entity, though, has given my kids (and, admittedly, me too!) pause. 

            As I sat and watched the four who are currently working (my third through eighth graders), I began to consider the spiritual lessons that can be seen through their current task. In no specific order, here are some thoughts I came up with: 

1. Testing is inevitable. At one point or another, spiritual tests will come. Some seasons it seems like the trials, tests, and temptations are nearly constant.  Other times we sense some reprieve.  Ultimately, however, we will face spiritual battles.  We are to count it as joy when (not if) the trials come (James 1:2)

2. Testing reveals strengths and weaknesses. As I mentioned above, I have incorporated standardized testing into my kids’ academic routine because it allows me to assess their strengths and weaknesses.  If there is a major disparity in their skills in a particular area (capitalization and punctuation seemed to come up multiple times!) then it will be revealed through the testing process.  Similarly, if they are well above grade level in a certain subject, that will be obvious in the test results.  

3. Testing is an assessment tool, not a report card (it is not pass/fail).  I have often offered testing for a large group of other kids outside of my own, because it makes the testing more fun for everyone.  On the day the test results are reported (the company we use always grades and releases the entire group at one time), I send an email to the parents to remind them that the tests are an assessment tool and not a report card (for the kids or for the homeschool mom!).  It is vital to remember that the value in these tests is in assessing the strengths and weaknesses, as mentioned above.  The results reveal areas where we are strong as well as areas that need work.  In the same way, spiritual tests often reveal both our strengths and weaknesses. Certain trials will reveal areas of our character that need to mature in Christlikeness, while perhaps simultaneously allowing us to see areas where we have already grown.  Just like standardized testing is not a pass/fail event, spiritual trials and tests are rarely black and white.  In the areas in which we do sin in the midst of the trial, we need to seek forgiveness, restoration, and continued growth.  We also need to praise God for those places where He gave us the grace and strength to endure the trial without sin.  

4. We are not supposed to know all the answers. Standardized tests are designed to indicate a “grade equivalence.”  The only way for them to do this is to have some questions on the test that are above the student’s current grade level. I explain this to the students in advance of testing so they are aware that there WILL be questions to which they are not expected to know the answer.  Spiritually, it sometimes feels like failure when we don’t know the answers to spiritual questions … aren’t we supposed to be “always ready to give an answer”? And yet a quick look at the Psalms reveals how important it is to give voice to our “why?” questions and other spiritual wonderings, while maintaining an upward, God-centered focus. Remember the person who boldly yet humbly stated, “Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).

5. Some questions or areas are easier than others. Academically, each of my children are different.  One may excel in math and struggle with language arts, while another may be exactly the opposite. Standardized testing reveals to them that certain challenges may come very naturally to them and appear easy (while being exceptionally difficult for others), while other components may present tremendous hardship for them (while seeming to be particularly easy for another person).  Often, we face the same discrepancy spiritually.  Each person tends to have their own “worship patterns.” There are some areas where I may be prone to sin repeatedly, whereas other domains may present minimal to no temptation for me personally but are exceptionally difficult for another individual. 

6. Breaks can be helpful. This may seem like a silly one, but when I notice my children are struggling to stay focused on their work or are emotionally overwhelmed with the tasks directly in front of them, taking a break can mean the difference between success and failure.  In standardized testing, we schedule strategic breaks for snacks, exercise, and quiet time.  Each of these helps my kids recharge in a different way.  Similarly, when I am in the midst of a spiritual battle, I need to evaluate if it is possible to step away for a time and refresh before reengaging in the fight.  

7. Compounding stressors lead to greater struggles. Today the temperature of our house reached nearly 80 degrees, and in the middle of that heat, one of my kids in particular started sweating.  I notice that the increased sensation of elevated body heat was negatively contributing to their ability to concentrate on their work.  This is perhaps an over-simplified example, but I think it is exceptionally relevant.  Sometimes when we are in the midst of a spiritual struggle, we fail to recognize how factors are compounding.  Suddenly something that would not have bothered me at all has become “the straw that broke the camel’s back” and intensified an already difficult situation.  Learning to isolate challenges and resolve any that can be quickly handled can enable us to be more successful in overcoming the primary problem.  

8. Success is based on many building blocks of the past. Standardized testing is not the kind of test you can “cram” for the night before and expect to do well.  Instead, the test measures many areas that should have been building over years of study.  Similarly, spiritual tests are rarely those that can be completed in the moment if we have not spent time building our spiritual muscles in preparation.  Faithfulness in the small, ordinary, everyday moments of life is what prepares us to be faithful when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.  Choosing righteous thoughts, attitudes, and actions day in and day out prepares us for the moments when our integrity is challenged on a larger scale.  

9. We are each tested individually. Standardized testing is a solo event.  Nobody can complete the test for another person.  The same is true spiritually.  No matter how much someone else may wish to help or may have advice on how to succeed, ultimately the battle is mine and mine alone.  The choices and the responsibility fall squarely on my shoulders.  Because of Jesus, I am never truly alone, and I’m so thankful for other people He allows to faithfully walk beside me, but in the end I will stand before Him on my own and be accountable for the choices I made.  

10. We are each tested on our own level, and expectations are set accordingly. Each of my kids have a different test level (no two are in the same grade), and the expectations are established based on their level. In the same way, God allows into my life those trials He has ordained for me – not for you, my husband, my kids, or anyone else.  He also has His established expectations and plans based on me and my specific circumstances, abilities, and growth needs.  In the parable of the talents, the servant who was given 2 talents was not expected to earn 5 more (even though the one who was given 5 had earned 5 more); he was simply expected to be faithful with what he was given (Matthew 25:14-30).  The expectations for his success were individual, and the same applies to me – praise the Lord! 

11. Accountability matters. As I mentioned above, knowing that the test results had to be turned in to the state this year (or another method of accountability achieved) caused my kids to take the test more seriously than they might have otherwise done.  Yes, that probably meant they “worried” about it more than they would have if Mom and Dad were the only people ever going to see their scores.  When we are faced with a spiritual battle, whose approval are we seeking?  Who do we view as the authority in determining whether we have “succeeded” or “failed”? Do we take into account how our choices will affect others? Ultimately, we are each accountable to God; sometimes our struggle is directly with Him, and sometimes it is with an earthly authority.  

12. It is okay to ask for help. I’ll be very frank and honest here … By the time we were reaching the middle of the afternoon and one specific child kept asking for help over and over and over again, I was finding it hard to remain patient.  It wasn’t that I minded helping them; rather, I was trying to accomplish things (like this blog post) while they were testing, so the frequent interruptions were challenging.  I am so thankful that God never loses patience with me when I have to ask for help over and over and over again, and He is never, ever too busy to help or too occupied with something more important to patiently hear my cries for His assistance!  When we are engaged in spiritual warfare, not only is it okay to ask for help, it ought to be our first course of action! Falling to our knees in times of trouble ought to be as natural as breathing.  Additionally, recognizing when we need outside help (spiritual or physical – from a pastor/counselor or from a friend willing to wash dishes or watch our kids for a few hours) and learning to ask for it can be crucial in succeeding in our spiritual battles.  We were not designed to walk alone.  

I know there are probably other lessons that could be remembered as a result of standardized testing … what would you add to this list?