SUPER

So, I got the chance to hear about the experience of participating in one of those evaluative educational conversations from a student's perspective.

The student had participated in the evaluations to get some insight into how the student learned; at least that is what his parents had told him.

It was the comparative adjective- better that foiled our super hero- think Superman and Kryptonite.

The assessor suggested that the information in the assessments would help him learn better. What the student understood was that the way he learned was not as good as that of his peers.

That is NOT what was said.

The assessor wanted him to understand that the information in the document would be used to improve his learning experience. What the student understood was that the way that he learned was different and therefore inferior to that of his peers.

That is NOT what was said.

Different is not better or worse. It is DIFFERENT. Our older students often resist support because the word better and the suggestion of comparison subdues the greatness of their abilities- think Martian Manhunter and fire.

Green Lantern is different from Aquaman who is different from the Flash, but they are all SUPER.

Being differently abled than one’s peers does not limit one’s greatness. Instead, it adds to the dynamic and power of the learning environment- think new hero joining the Justice League.

Our goal as educators is to assist students in perceiving themselves and their differences as welcome and valuable in the learning environment.  The assistance they receive should feel natural- think Batman and Robin.

If that makes teachers the well-loved sidekicks then lets go for it!

"What makes a child gifted and talented may not always be good grades in school but a different way of looking at the world and learning."

-Chuck Grassley