Exceed the Standard

The countdown to bathing suit season can be compared to preparing for a standardized test. With only a few weeks left to gear up for the CRCT and warmer weather, my words of encouragement get more frantic and desperate sounding.

As we approach the inevitable test that supposedly measures student progress and teacher competence, the stress and anxiety get more intense. My attempt to review all concepts just before the test, seems all for naught. How can anyone expect success if they haven’t done the work all along?

For 9 months I have labored in the classroom. My efforts to create, motivate and encourage life-long learners seem to produce only a fraction of students that will forge ahead as original thinkers with the probability of a bright future.

The few and the proud will not only successfully pass the standardized test, they will have an appreciation for their parents and teachers and enjoy rare intrinsic rewards of achievement that are only felt by those that have done the work starting on the first day of school.

But these students weren’t created by me. They came to me that way; willing and able to take advantage of what was offered. Not unlike fitness fanatics, these are the students that were modeled self-discipline, a certainty in self and the ability to do what is right regardless of its popularity, their mood or the exertion necessary to complete the task.

So, what about the others? Have they listened at all? What do I do with the students that continue to show up without supplies, homework or the desire to learn? What about those students that are convinced just 1 week of studying and completed assignments can undo the damage done the other 170 days?

It compares similarly to the loyal reader that ponders over my words, but doesn’t do anything about it. Or, the temporary exerciser – they one that goes all out for 8 days, gym membership to boot – but retires from the fitness game for lack of time or a mountain of other excuses. Are they any different from the procrastinating student hoping that a last minute and short lived change can have long term effects? Furthermore, do they even care??

Just like cramming for a test, the desire to look and feel better can’t happen overnight. It takes consistency, persistence, and determination. Instead of looking at this as the last few days to “cram” for good health, look at it as a fresh start.

Like the student that needs a more hopeful future, be prepared, do your homework, listen, get focused and stop procrastinating. Do what you know is right and you will excel.

For questions or comments email: suzannemcginnis@me.com