Across the nation, concerns about plummeting school standards have led to questionable strategies under the guise of helping struggling students.
Initiatives in Portland, such as leniency toward cheating and neglecting homework, and the elimination of passing requirements for exams in various districts, are raising eyebrows.
New York has seen a gradual lowering of academic benchmarks, exemplified by the Brooklyn Math & Science Exploratory School’s recent name change to avoid addressing its math-test results.
The Harm of Avoiding Failure In Struggling Students
However, these measures are misguided. Jonathan Butcher, an education expert at the Heritage Foundation, argues that refraining from giving students a zero when they’ve earned it harms them in the long run. The consequences of papering over failure can haunt students throughout their lives, hindering their ability to thrive in the real world.
A Better Approach: Embrace Failure and Build Resilience
A more effective approach, supported by personal experience, is to allow students to fail and then guide them in overcoming obstacles. This method fosters resilience and equips students with valuable life skills.
The author’s personal journey is a testament to the power of embracing failure. Growing up with dyslexia, they faced daily struggles, particularly with spelling.
Instead of questioning their teachers, their parents questioned them and embarked on a quest to identify the underlying issue. This led to a diagnosis of dyslexia, marking the beginning of a challenging but ultimately rewarding journey.
The Role of Grit and Persistence
Over the next 11 years, the author confronted failure daily. Their parents sought various reading and spelling programs, which yielded slow progress but progress nonetheless. They persevered, aided by a supportive best friend.
Despite tears and embarrassments, the focus remained on the process rather than the results. The dedication paid off, as they developed a love for reading and writing and improved their literacy skills.
Lessons for Parents and Schools
The author’s story serves as a compelling example of the importance of allowing children to fail constructively. In today’s climate, parents and educators must instill grit, persistence, and hard work.
When facing adversity, students should be encouraged to study harder, apply elsewhere after rejection, and find solutions to challenges like dyslexia. Importantly, they must learn humility and embrace criticism as a constructive force.
The Consequences of Lowering Standards
Lowering academic standards and showering children with praise and participation trophies can distort their self-perception and motivation.
This approach may contribute to the surge in depression among teens and young adults as they face the harsh realities of life after years of unrealistic expectations.
In conclusion, the prevailing trend of avoiding failure is counterproductive. To prepare our youth for the real world, adults must acknowledge the importance of resilience.
By guiding children through failures and teaching them to confront obstacles head-on, we empower them to transition from childhood setbacks to lifelong successes. The author’s personal journey stands as a testament to the enduring value of this approach.
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