In the new millennium, we were the parents that never received a copy of the elusive parental handbook. So, when we first became parents more than 20 years ago, we decided to wing it. Of course, we had some core ideas in mind that have worked in and for our family over time: unconditional love; honesty; accountability; hard work; and commitment. We tried to live to those standards ourselves and help our children develop their own flavors of those that have meaning and impact in their lives.
Some combination of those core ideas coupled with world-class stubbornness (complaining not bragging), led us down the path of having high expectations for our children’s education and their development. We valued what education could do to help young people grow emotionally, intellectually, and interpersonally. We believed strongly that we shared the responsibility of educating our kids with the schools - with the schools being the teachers and educators and us playing the role of good parents.
As a result, we tried to stay connected to learning little bits and pieces about the classroom environment, topics, teachings, and discussions from both our kids, their teachers and other parents we knew. Often, even with some outstanding teachers, we got answers to questions that were less than satisfying. Multiple times, teachers told us that “their hands were tied” to do X or Y because the school district directed them to only do A, B, and C. As a result, our children’s individual needs took a back seat to the larger macro needs, directives or objectives of the district, school, class, or other students who were underperforming in some area. Maybe that was good for the school district, but it was not so good for our kids.
The best thing that happened from the accumulation of multiple frustrating no-win scenarios, was that it caused us to begin to explore alternatives for school. That in turn, demonstrated to our children that we cared about their education and will do whatever we had to do to find a better fit for them for school. It also showed them to not accept bad situations, advocate for themselves, and have the courage to embrace change, especially if it has the opportunity for improvements. Most importantly, it catalyzed a journey for all of us to pursue excellence instead of settling for mediocrity in education and in life.
So, no matter where you or your child may find themselves in your own educational journey, please know with certainty three important things. First, the exploration of something better for their education is goodness and will yield positive outcomes. Second, you will find a better educational alternative for your child - whether it is a charter, public, parochial or private school education that meets their needs. And third, it is achievable no matter how daunting the obstacles seem right now.
You can help change their Launch Angle into college and beyond. It starts with a first step. And if you are reading this right now, you may have already taken that first step and are well on your way to discovering a great solution.
Comments