Mary is taking geometry this term. She is in a class for kids that have failed before. Math is not a subject she likes, or does well in. She was not happy with Friday's test and wrote "I am a failure" on the top of her exam.
Today's students are tested over and over again. They are made to feel worthless when their scores are not high. Failing a test is not the same as being a failure. This is something we must teach our students.
Mary did not fail this test, although she only squeaked by with a 66. I called her the second I finished marking it to tell her the good news. I could almost see her smile through the phone and I will never forget her words "Thank you for your encouragement and for believing in me. It means a lot to me."
Today's students are tested over and over again. They are made to feel worthless when their scores are not high. Failing a test is not the same as being a failure. This is something we must teach our students.
Mary did not fail this test, although she only squeaked by with a 66. I called her the second I finished marking it to tell her the good news. I could almost see her smile through the phone and I will never forget her words "Thank you for your encouragement and for believing in me. It means a lot to me."
