Valley Forge students walk red carpet before testing

Published 10:09 am Tuesday, April 18, 2023

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By Angela Cutrer
Star Correspondent
Valley Forge Elementary School rolled out the red carpet Monday for students taking the TCAP tests that day for staff and teachers to show the students they are the superstars of the day.
“This was the first year we have done this,” Principal Brandon Young said. “Testing is usually seen as a negative and difficult thing and we wanted to make it positive and celebrate our students’ successes.
“We wanted to make it like the Emmys, and have the students walk in on a red carpet. All of our faculty and staff were at the school to welcome and cheer on the students that morning.”
Since 1988, the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) has been the state’s testing program “to assess what …students know and what … can [be done] to help them succeed in the future,” stated the Tennessee Department of Education’s website. “It is designed to assess true student understanding, not just basic memorization and test-taking skills. …[It] includes TCAP assessments in math, English language arts, social studies and science, as well as alternative assessments, like MSAA and TCAP-Alt, for students with special needs.”
Young said he and the rest of the staff are proud of all their students and wanted them to physically see their support for them. “We hope we encouraged them and pumped them up,” he added. “We had a banner and candy to give them and we played celebration music to lighten the mood to relieve any students who were frightened about testing.
“We are so proud of our Valley Forge Eagles and all their hard work this school year. I also want my faculty and staff to know that they are appreciated for all they do to ensure our students are successful and proficient.
“I love my students, faculty and staff and I want them to know that daily! We have a star-studded school!”

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