Nervous…

The time has finally come for students to take their practice state math tests.  I am starting to feel a little bit stressed about my students doing well on this math test.  It is my first year, and I know that there is definitely pressure on me as far as how the students perform on the test.  Report cards were just sent out, and there are about 20 students that received an F, out of about 120.  My principal called me in to ask me why there were so many failing grades.  The only way that I could explain it to him was that if they do not apply themselves, it is not possible to pass.  For example, if they don’t do 2 projects or their homework, they are most likely going to get an F.  My principal needs to also understand that if he looks across every subject, the same students are failing almost EVERY subject.  I am nervous, still, that I am going to get the blame if these students do not perform well on their state tests.  How can I ease my nerves?  I have one month to prepare these kids for the REAL state test, and they know that I stay afterschool for extra help almost every day (though most usually don’t take advantage of this).