Sometimes within the context of school and learning, the focus leans heavily into conversations about “meeting standards”, “grade level achievement”, and “progress monitoring”; all within the context of DOING. But then, as I attend meetings everyday, it’s the deeper understanding of the person, the student, the BEING side of the ledger that really strikes a chord. For example …
Yesterday, in preparation for a meeting in WA State addressing the needs of a 7th grader, one who had for years struggled with ADHD, attention, and processing challenges, I reviewed the draft IEP (Plan) and was impressed with the opening lines: ” *** is a kind, funny, and respectful student who is quick to help those around him and often wants to make those around
him laugh. *** is a student that often and willing to share whole class and easily makes connections within a majority of his
classroom topics”. And I hoped this was not just fluff but the substance of our meeting would highlight these remarkable traits.
And it did. The conversation with his teachers featured description of a young man, a teenager, who was willing to give his best, engage with the assignments and projects as well as be a part of the class community, and do so with a positive attitude. For example, he selected “band” as his elective and took on the challenge of violin with no experience. His band director worked with him, made accommodations, found student mentors, and according to the parent, “this is his favorite class”. Even though it presents a multitude of challenges including every now and then being called “stupid” due to his basic skill development by a few immature peers, he loves it. And pushes through.
I loved this meeting. For it wasn’t all about the deficits presented, it was more about the promise and potential, the “beingness” of this student. And all it took was a different lens to see it.
I would love to see a world founded upon adults who are “kind, funny, and respectful”. Imagine what the world would look like?