Day 78: Report

Fianna received Eliot's school report today.  As for many children it was full of could do better, doesn't work hard enough, needs to have a better attitude, does not live up to his full potential.  In addition there are the average grades for each subject compared to the class average, thus already setting competitive rather than collaborative expectations.  You have to wonder what is the point of all this grading and comparison.  Ultimately, most kids will get through their schooling and come out with a variety of experiences, things they have learnt, capacity for work and short or long term friendships.  The sum of all their experiences at home, at school and with their friends as well as their social background will determine whether and which university they might go to.  All of this may then contribute to how "successful" they are in life.  However, none of this will determine how happy they are with their lives.  So in fact the stress that I see many parents putting themselves (and their children) through concerning their children's grades and future prospects is neither healthy nor helpful.  The important things in life are self confidence, responsibility, resilience, empathy, capacity for social interaction, generosity and courage, listening and communication skills.  I'm not sure any of these skills or qualities are part of our educational curriculum. 

Finally I wonder why these school reports go to the parents?  Surely they should be addressed to the child, he or she is the one concerned, he or she is the one who needs to take responsibility and may benefit from these insights.  Reports (if they must exist) should be addressed and possibly discussed directly with the children and then it would be up to them to share that report with their parents if they so wish.  I'm sure this would radically the nature and effects of school reports if that were the case.