Week 31 - Did He Pass?

"Start a program for gifted children, and every parent demands that his child be enrolled" - Thomas Bailey

Rob looked at his list of students to be tested and cringed - twenty-four kids to test in three days! Rob's testing was only the first step in a very long process to qualify for placement in the school's gifted program. Only about 25 percent of those tested would actually qualify. And many of those tested were referred by their own parents. Dealing with the disappointment and sometimes downright indignation of parents was the least favorite part of Rob's job.

Rob could usually tell within the first few minutes of testing whether or not a child would pass his screening test. It was obvious that this second grader wasn't going to make the cut. After testing he met with the parent privately and relayed the results. He could sense her frustration. Rob thought, Another parent who is absolutely convinced that her child is gifted.

"Please, there must be some mistake," she said.

Rob responded with his all-too-familiar speech about how this test was not a full IQ test; it was only a screening instrument and her son could take it again next year.

"You don't understand," the Mom continued. "Mrs. Wickers is the best teacher here. She's our last chance to motivate Jon."

It's funny how some parents flock to one program or another. It's not always because they are an elitist or because the program is the popular place to be. Sometimes it's because a teacher has made it clear to all that kids are important.

A program is only as successful as its teacher.

Prompt: The way I want to make it clear that my students are all important is. . .