Parents, Educators Must Continually Challenge Our Students

Personal trainers know that doing the same routine for an extended period of time will have diminishing results. When a person first begins an exercise schedule that is difficult for them, they see results in weight loss and improved fitness. After doing that routine for many months and becoming good at it, the body adjusts, becomes stronger and that same exercise no longer produces the same amount of improvement. 

Our students' minds work the same way.  When we present difficult material, students at first struggle to master it and we see great growth and development. If we do not constantly continue to increase and change the rigor of the academic work we provide for students, and instead hold them to the same standards as we have before, their minds do not develop to their full potential. 

All students can learn and want to learn more. It is up to us as educators, parents, and community members to continually challenge our students, watch them grow and then challenge them again. 

It is no secret as to how to get and stay physically fit, yet many of us do not do it.  We know that it takes perseverance, discipline, increased rigor and a belief that being fit is important and obtainable but still many of us do not become physically fit.

Education is the same.  

It is not a secret or great mystery on how to educate students. It takes the same kind of perseverance, discipline, increased rigor and most importantly the belief that education for all students is obtainable and important. 

As we start the school year, I am encouraging everyone to ask ourselves what more we can do for our students. Whether you are a parent, staff member or community member, we all can do more to help a student learn. 

If you are a parent, you can raise your expectations of what you want your own child to learn and then support him/her as it is accomplished. Do not set your sights low because they will adjust to your expectations. 

If you are a teacher, always ask your students to do work that is just slightly above their current reach. They are growing every day and will accomplish what you ask. 

If you are a community member, get involved with a school or education group and assist students to become more than they themselves thought they could be. 

Together, we can show our students what hard work combined with ever increased rigor can accomplish.