Standardized testing in the state of Texas doles out pressure to every person in school. The district and administration feel the weight, especially with prospects of outcome-based funding, currently being discussed during this legislative session. However, the burden is most heavily shouldered by teachers and students.

That’s why it didn’t go unnoticed when the parents of Laura Johnson’s third grade class at BES found a letter written to their children from Johnson herself the day of the math STAAR test.

The letter encouraged her students to do their best while also reminding them that the kids have so many other traits besides grades that makes them who they are.

“This test does not assess what makes you special and unique,” Johnson wrote. “The people that create these tests and score them, do not know you like I know you.”

“I struggle every year encouraging my kids to do well on these tests, while also reiterating that they are so much more [than test scores],” said Kristi Romero, parent of a third-grade student said. “My heart is comforted knowing my son receives the same from his amazing teacher.”

Johnson has been with BES since 2012 and just completed her twentieth year as a teacher.