Any parent with a school-aged child is aware of testing week. In some schools, they will build up to it in the preceding weeks with reminders, pep rallies, and special study sessions.

There are also schools that drill into students how important standardized tests are for their futures. It can put pressure and stress on a young mind and teachers know it.

Some children do wonderfully, some average, and others not so well. Parents worry, schools worry, and students worry when results are poor.

But as we know, low scores aren’t always a reliable indicator of what a child can achieve. Different factors can influence the outcome, including the fact that not everyone is a good test-taker. That’s why it’s inspiring to hear from parents like Gail Twist about her family’s experience with testing.

The UK mom has a son named Ben, who is autistic and attends an academy for special needs students. Nationally, all second and sixth-grade students have to take a standardized test called the SATs. As a sixth-grader, Ben was due to take the test.

When the results arrived in the mail, there was also a letter from one of his teachers, Ruth Clarkson. Ben didn’t pass his test, but that’s not what moved his mom to tears. It was Mrs. Clarkson’s note about her son. She wrote to Ben:

“I am writing to you to congratulate you on your attitude and success in completing your end of key stage SATs.”

The letter went on to praise Ben:

“A very important piece of information I want you to understand is that these tests only measure a little bit of your abilities. They are important and you have done so well, but Ben Twist is made up of many other skills and talents that we at Lansbury Bridge see and measure in other ways.”

In a bulleted list, the kind teacher went on to highlight Ben’s many abilities and qualities, including his artistic talents, his kindness, knack for making and keeping friends, and his independence. In closing, she mentioned how well he’s doing:

“. . .These different talents and abilities make you the special person you are and these are all of the things we measure to reassure us that you are always making progress and continuing to develop as a lovely bright young man.”

“Well done Ben, we are very proud of you.”

Mom Gail was taken by the school’s supportive response and decided to share the letter on social media. She would love for other kids to receive the same kindness and understanding that was extended to her son. In an interview with ABC News, she spoke about how unexpected it was to get a personal response from a teacher this way.

As for Mrs. Clarkson, she was glad to send a ray of happiness to Ben and his family. Reminding him of his talents and work ethic was all in a day’s work.

What do you think of this sweet story? Do you have a child that struggles with standardized tests? Do you know any teachers like Mrs. Clarkson?