Studying for Tests

For as long as I can remember there has always been a great deal of chatter on student proficiency levels in ELA and Math. Whether you refer to the Nation at Risk, the Common Core Standards, or the new teacher accountability system; it is always tied to student performance in which politicians  discuss the percentage of students performing at grade levels or which countries have the best education system.

Yesterday  I was reading a report which discussed the average SAT scores of teachers servicing students and how we should try to recruit teachers with high SAT scores. Lost in these conversations are how these tests impact students. In fact, I do not think I ever seen an article that addresses this issue. I am always thankful that at least in my elementary years the annualized test was not ac major focus in our school. However, I do remember how the regents in high school were a big deal. Like many students I studied for the exams and worried how I would perform as I was told how important it was to graduate with a regents diploma. Keep in mind, that during the 1980's a regents diploma meant you passed 3 math regents, 2 science regents, 1 history regents,  1 English regents, and 1 language regents. Through it all both my parents were very supportive of the entire process. My father was always available to help me with any math question I had and had an amazing way of explaining mathematical concepts with such clarity. Similarly, my mother was very helpful with the Biology regents which is no surprise given her medical background.

Both my parents were demanding (especially my mother) as they wanted the best for their children. At the same time, my mother would offer support ranging from study techniques,  assisting with my studies, encouragement , coaching, and so on. She also told me repeatedly that she was not concerned with the final grade as long as I focused on my studies. Through their support I always understood that  the test score was not the most important thing, it was what you learned through the process. Through their support, I was not super stressed about these high stakes tests as I knew I had a family that was very supportive of this process. As I think about these experiences I am both appreciative of the upbringing I had. However, I also recognize that our politicians need to build the necessary supports so that struggling families can help their children as well as there is no question that strong family support is the most significant factor to guarantee student success.

My 12th Birthday

I do not remember my 12th birthday too well. However, I do remember the following sequence of events. I wake up in the morning and there is some kind of present near my bed side. I honestly do not remember what the present was. However, I do remember enjoying the delight of being surprised and what a genuine good feeling it was. Years later I use this tactic of surprise birthday presents and presents with my wife and family. Naturally, they enjoy the surprise as well. Having said that, it is worth recognizing the master of surprises and gifting; my mother. It gave her a great joy to surprise her children. She could not wait to see the look of surprise on her children's face. In the end, it made such an impression on me that till this day I also get a great joy when I see the look of delight on someone's face. For example, for one of my wife's birthday I snuck an iMac computer in to the house. Needless to say she was quite surprised. So... with that I close by saying thank you mom for inspiring the best in all of us.

About this Blog

All to often we are in a rush running to our jobs and other pertinent tasks; never taking the time to reflect on one's life and learn from the past. A few days ago

was October 27th; a day that I will never forget as it was the day my mother passed away. As I think about this date,  I cannot believe this happened 24 years ago. When my mother passed away I was starting my 2nd year in college. 24 years later, I  have been married for 19 years to a loving wife and have 2 wonderful kids.

From time to time I talk to them about my mother and what she meant to me. However, I get the sense that they do not fully comprehend how this person who is my mother is no longer here. After all, they still find the concept of their grandmother being my wife's mother hard to grasp.  I also talk  about my mother  to my wife and other people. However, it seems there should be a repository of information about my mother so I can help them better understand who she was. Of course this repository does not exist as my mother lived long before the modern internet was used. With this in mind, I dedicate this blog to my mother, my children, wife, family, and, friends. May it serve as a source of inspiration to all.