Education Done Right

I have been filling in at my daughter's STEM school, and let me say the school is doing it right. They are trying hard to follow Common Core (still have room for growth and improvement), they manage their students right with discipline, and they acknowledge those that excel.

Recently the entire school (yes, all 300 students) were required to participate in the Invention Convention program. That means 300 different inventions, and only a few chosen ones would go on to the state wide convention. 10% of the students were moved on to the state level. Did the other 270 students that did not make the state competition receive a trophy or ribbon for trying, for showing up? No, they did not. Keep in mind that these students are in kindergarten, first, second, fifth and sixth grade currently (yes, those "evil" teachers made little 5 year olds come up with an invention of their own, develop it, and present them). Were the students heart broken, shattered beyond repair, ruined for society because they did not win? Nope, they are looking forward to coming back next year and trying again with even better ideas. Who knew that kids these days can try and 'fail' and survive? I understand that a lot of teachers, parents, and public think and assume it will...

I have also spend a couple of days in the kindergarten classes, where the students are being held once again the CCSS, and guess what...they are thriving and even appear happy with what they are doing. The kids in kindergarten are enjoying the advanced math and reading classes, while still getting a lot of social interaction and play time. I had one bright student explain to me that all snowflakes are in a hexagon shape, "that is six sided" -he even clarified it for me. I am willing to bet that most adults do not know that. I am pretty sure that he is going to be more then ready to handle one of those critical thinking questions on the SBAC test in a couple of years.

So I close with what is causing this type of success, it is teachers willing to follow a mandate and taking the time and being open to what is happening in education, then implementing and following through with those ideas. Secondly, it is parents that understand what is needed and want what is best for the children, and let the educators do what is right for their kids. Lastly, it is students being taught that they have to go out get what they want, and that they must meet expectations, and it may take a few tries to achieve what they want. Once again, who knew....