This week’s Monday Matters episode is a longer response to a listener question covered in the Q&A portion of Principal Matters Podcast. The question is:

“As a system leader, how do you encourage teachers in high-performing schools to go beyond “my students do well on the tests” or even other administrators, “have you seen our test scores?” and aim for instruction that really stretches students’ thinking, agency, and intellectual rigor? I’m especially curious how you do this when current success metrics and evaluations tend to reinforce the status quo.” – Cat Stathulis, Westerville, Ohio

In response to Cat’s question about how to push high-performing schools beyond strong test scores toward deeper intellectual rigor, Will and Jen’s conversation is centered on redefining what “rigor” really means.

First, leaders must remember the realities of the teenage brain. Students have limited cognitive and emotional stamina. A student can perform well on a test yet still need structured opportunities to build endurance for extended thinking. High scores do not automatically equal deep learning.

Second, rigor does not require more assignments or heavier workloads. It often happens through better conversation. Simple questions like “What are you thinking?”, “Tell me more,” and “Why?” can stretch thinking far more effectively than additional worksheets. Dialogue itself can deepen learning.

The discussion also emphasized being intentional about levels of questions on tests. Teachers should plan questions at three levels:

Level 1: Facts and recall (Do students understand the material?)
Level 2: Interpretation and analysis (Can they connect and explain ideas?)
Level 3: Application (Can they use and transfer what they know?)

Deep learning frequently operates at Levels 2 and 3 — and that depth does not always show up immediately on standardized tests.

Another key measure of success is readiness. Beyond scores, leaders should ask: Are students prepared for what comes next — academically, intellectually, and personally?

Finally, teachers themselves must stretch. Thoughtful teaching sharpens not only student thinking but also teacher clarity about what students truly understand.

Big takeaway: Rigor isn’t about more work or higher test numbers. It’s about intentional questioning, intellectual stretch through conversation, and preparing students for the next stage of life — even when that growth isn’t easily measured.

Resources for Further Learning:

In addition, Jen and Will discussed two resources from previous podcast guests that unpack practical ways for educators to go deeper in their own teaching practices as well as in student learning.

Listen in to the entire podcast conversation for more, and check out these resources and previous guests.

PMP177: Cha Cha’s for Making Learning Stick with LeAnn Nickelsen

PMP420: Mentoring Mindset with David Yeager

The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Stretching Students Beyond the Test appeared first on Principal Matters.