It's time. Report card and Parent Teacher conference week. As the comics and cartoons show, these words can strike fear and trembling in to all involved - parents, students, and teachers alike. On one hand, this is a good thing - it's an indication that we are all emotionally involved in the success of our students. On the other hand, this fear can cause us to do things that run counter to the central goal: the growth and development of our students.
The main goal of report cards (and all of the assessment and evaluation that led up to them) and parent teacher conferences is to enhance the learning and growth of the student. Period.
I've shared here before some of the recent research on growth mindset, largely spurred on by Carol Dweck. http://mindsetonline.com/whatisit/about/ Her main hypothesis, if we could boil it all down to one statement would be, the human brain can grow and learn. The opposite, a fixed mindset, assumes that we are stuck with our current skills and talents, and these are predictors of how we will do in life. I find the growth mindset to be a wonderful embodiment of taking seriously the potential God created when he formed the world and its first human inhabitants, and of the vision he had then as he walked with them in the garden, giving them work to do to discover, grow, develop, and have dominion.
In the parable of the talents, (Matthew 25:14-30) the master gives each of his servants a sizable amount of money to work with. As the story progresses, we see that the expectation is that each is expected to work with what they have been given, according to their ability. Each is expected to grow.
This report card is an early communication of how each of the students is doing in the work of meeting the expectations of their grade level. The feedback gives information as to what strengths are being exercised, and areas for growth. Each unique student (with all kinds of minds!) shines, and each also has areas in which they can continue to 'grow' their talents...
I want to encourage you to do two things: 1) Praise your child for their effort where they are doing well, and 2) identify some growth goals with your child for discussion at the parent-teacher interviews. Where are there opportunities to develop and grow? What do they find difficult, and how might their strengths help them to move forward in those areas?
So, is the fear and anxiety necessary? In short, no. Is growth expected and is it important? Absolutely. It's not about where we are right now, it's about where we are progressing... Now that's something to get excited about! I'm looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday or Thursday!!
