Susan GrahamNo Child Gets Ahead
January 16th 2009 21:53
Photo by Ignacio Leonardi
Since when did shyness have anything to do with smarts? In fact, shyness is a classic trait in gifted children. It seems that experts have no problem labeling a child with behavior problems as having ADHD so their parents can make excuses about why their kid is failing, but the smartest kids in the class get no extra challenge or accommodations.
Let me stop here to ask all those parents with ADHD kids to please NOT blow up my mailbox with complaints. I know there are plenty of children with legitimate learning disabilities, and I am not for a second suggesting that kids should not get the help they need. But I am also a high school English teacher, and I have seen my share of students who are obnoxious jack-holes and are labeled ADHD so they can get out of doing their work. I have also seen plenty of smart, well-behaved kids like mine get robbed of valuable educational experiences because these jack-holes take up all the teacher’s time and energy.
That being said, I think another part of the problem is…get ready for a shock…. No Child Left Behind. This train wreck of an idea has made it impossible for teachers to do anything but focus on the bare minimum (i.e. the kids who can’t, or don’t, learn the basics). Teachers are so worried about meeting minimum standards and making their students pass those ludicrous standardized tests that the smart kids just sail right on by. Who cares if they’re bored out of their minds and don’t actually learn anything? They’re passing the tests, by golly!
I have determined that the only way to make sure Princess gets a more challenging educational experience is to try to get her into the gifted program. I feel guilty as I write this because I’m becoming one of those parents – which is actually every parent – who wants an individualized education for their child. But when you’re too poor for home school or private school like we are, you do what you can.
Princess came home the other day and told us about a child in her class who was named the “Lucky Learner.” Apparently, he got to be the line leader for the day and some other special treatment. I asked Princess if she has ever been the Lucky Learner, and she said no. I suspect the Lucky Learner is actually not so lucky. It sounds to me like a child who has been struggling and did something right. I think it’s wonderful to recognize kids who have accomplishments, but is it wrong for me to think Princess should be recognized for being the smartest kid in her class? What’s wrong with making smart kids feel good? Why should the struggling learners get all the attention?
I’m being a bit facetious, but there is a point. No Child Left Behind has forced teachers to ignore the needs of bright children. Let’s hope our new president will have some fresh ideas to make sure all kids – not just the struggling ones – get the rigorous education they deserve.
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Comment by GlenB
Raw Fish
Your daughter may have to learn to conceal her terrible affliction. Especially if she is put to work in a menial job at the age of 15 due to economic necessity.
Comment by Anonymous
If you as a HS teacher are able to differentiate instruction for everyone of your students, maybe you could offer some advice to your child's teacher.