Statewide testing began last week for schools across the state. It was a new statewide testing program that is aligned with the learning goals set forth by the Mississippi Department of Education.

The majority of students locally in grades three through 12 took tests to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. They had to showcase their critical-thinking, analytical writing and problem-solving skills.

It’s a new test that started making the rounds April 25, but it does not have new concepts. The hope is with the new tests and different classroom strategies, that students coming out of our state’s public school system will be ready for a rigorous college curriculum loaded with tough thinking and creative problem-solving. But it is not just about college — the concepts learned and tested will help students who would rather go into the workforce, into a high-demand field or join the military.

Change is tough no matter what your age or where you work, and most of us do not like it. So we give a big shout out to all of the teachers who had to modify everything before heading into the classroom in order to prepare for these tests. And, give your kid a high-five or ice cream or some serious commending when he or she finishes up this first round of testing. They’ve had to work hard too.