Archive for January, 2010
Here in the state of Arizona we have what is called the AIMS test. This is suppose to be an indicator of a certain level of education that all high school seniors must pass to graduate high school.
Well, during the first few years of the “trial” phase there was such a high level of failure that the state had to make a decision if it was to enforce the testing for graduation.
They had the choice to either hold the teachers responsible for teaching this material in a way that the students learned and retained the information or…
You guessed it… make the test easier!
When did we, as a nation, give up expecting Excellence as the standard?
Why are we so afraid to hold the parents, teachers and students accountable? Is is so much to ask a mother or father to sit with their child once and a while to support them in the educational process?
Now don’t get me wrong. I love teachers! And like many professions there are a lot of worthy, loving and giving educators. However, let’s not kid ourselves either. There are plenty that only show up because they get paid to be there.
I recall my high school history class. My teacher never taught one thing. I’m not kidding. Our grade was determined on a particular number of accumulated points. Each quarter he would pass out a packet of papers listing what we could write about to earn anywhere from 5 to 20 points. Depending on how many papers we turned in dictated whether we passed or not. Not once did he ever stand up and instruct.
How is this acceptable?
Mediocraty has become the norm because it is easiest to accomplish. No one will judge you for living BIG. In fact, many won’t even notice you. But what kind of existence it that? Why would anyone want to be remembered for not being remembered?
Make this you year or significance. Go after your dreams with a vengence. Leave those behind that don’t want to run fast with you. You’ll catch up to someone else further up.
Make this your best year ever.