By Dr. Yuvraj Verma and Rachel Campbell
In the words of psychologist Carol Dweck, who has conducted extensive research on growth mindsets, “Becoming is better than being.” Building off this idea, as sixth grade math and English teachers we’ve learned to approach our mid-year benchmark assessments not as final judgments, but as tools for reflection and growth.
Many of our students entered the school year below grade level, and while achieving grade-level mastery is challenging, a growth mindset allows us to see their potential, celebrate progress, and plan for further successes. This perspective transforms data analysis into an empowering process; data becomes a tool for improvement amongst our students rather than a measure of failure.
Dr. Yuvraj Verma is a TEAMS math teacher at Bessemer City Middle School in Alabama and an Adjunct Professor of Graduate Education at William Howard Taft University in Colorado. He holds a BA in Sociology from Iona University, an MAT in Elementary and Special Education from the Relay Graduate School of Education, and an MBA in Healthcare Administration, EdS in Education Administration, and EdD in Technology and Leadership from William Howard Taft University.
Rachel Campbell is an English Teacher at Bessemer City Middle School in Alabama. She holds a BA in English from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and an AA degree in Pharmacy from Jefferson State Community College. Rachel is pursuing a MSEd in Secondary English Language Arts Education at Jacksonville State University.
