Raise - don't lower - expectations

The new accelerated math program implemented in Georgia last year challenged students. 

Some students - even those that typically sailed through math - struggled.  And the parents got upset because now their son or daughter might not keep that great GPA (never mind that they might not be ready for college level math without these standards).  And the teachers are upset because they feel that they will be blamed because of the low test scores.  So the solution is to dumb it back down? 

There is a legitimate discussion that needs to take place about how these new standards were implemented - and teacher input is crucial here - but whether or not rigorous classes are kept in place should not be up for debate.  We are shortchanging our children in an area where almost everyone agrees we are trailing the rest of the world in expertise. 

Tell me one instance where if something was too hard in sports we would make it easier?  If the percentage of three-point field goals is going down in basketball, do we move the line closer?  No!  In fact, the line has been moved back and the athletes simply work harder and become better shooters.

How about baseball?  A pitcher knows he will have to develop a better fastball or curveball if he wants to strike out the best hitter.  And tennis?  Do we develop the juniors in this country to be elite players by allowing them to play "first-serve in?"  What about in football, soccer, or hockey? 

In every sport we tell our children that if they want to succeed and play at the next level - whatever that level is - then they will have to work hard and compete against the best.  We don't change the rules or make it easier.  We challenge them - and they either get it or they don't.

If you allow a child to settle for mediocrity that is what you'll get.  However, if you demand excellence, you very often receive it.  Once kids know the expectation, they will raise - or lower - their game to meet it. 

As a parent I am continually looking for ways to motivate my children, push them to reach their full potential and help them find ways to thrive - whether in sports or school.  I want them to see the best because then they will know exactly what the highest standard is and we can come up with ways to achieve that level, with full knowledge of the effort it will take.  It's not easy, and I am sure there have been times when I've wanted to smooth their way, and maybe even stepped over the line.  But wanting your child to be the best is very different from wanting them to appear to be the best, and I think I get that. 

My main goal is for them to be the best they can be and if they aren't being given the opportunity to tackle the toughest challenges, how will we know if they've reached their full potential?

I love to play, watch, cheer on and talk about sports, in large part because it is what it is...you either are good enough to play or you're not.  And when you accomplish something in sports, you know exactly what you've done.  We're really not being fair to our kids when we tell them it's OK to try and find an easier path when it comes to education.  The future ramifications are just too important.