Head in hands

This week one of Willie's teachers put his head in his hands and asked, "How am I going to assess you?" Willie replied, "I don't know."

The assignment was to read a book, which Willie did. To find out if students had read the book, the teacher gave a short quiz. One of the questions was "Who was the hero?"  Willie could not answer any of the questions. In discussion with the teacher, it was clear Willie had studied the story because he could name all the characters, their relationships and so on.

The teacher, like most other teachers, has only ONE WAY to assess his students. Even though we KNOW kids (and adults) learn differently, to admit that means they also assess differently. Schools cannot acknowledge this. It means they have to change.

Complicating this is the fact that schools look to evaluate a student's weakest areas, not their best.
In the work place, by contrast, workers are judged by what they do best. A carpenter is judged on his/her handiwork; a software designer on his/her code. Neither has to write an essay.

((Situation today: a mess. Willie and his parents are stressed, emotionally exhausted, and trying to cope with the school's changing demands.   Last week his physics teacher said building a bridge was the only thing left for his course. This week he says there's more. Last night Willie and his mother and I even argued for the first time over the whole ordeal. Thanks for your patience, this is the only way I know to deal with it personally))

Comments

[Daniel]

One of my favorite quotes on writing comes from Paul Fussell, who wrote "If I didn't have writing, I'd be running down the street hurling grenades in people's faces."

There's no need to ask for our forebearance in this situation. One of the greatest benefits of the web is that it allows us, the readers, ultimate choice in what to read.

So, keep on writing. It may not offer the same visceral satisfaction as the grenades, but it's a lot healthier.