Learning For Life

I got a postcard in the mail today from one of Coolister's teachers. In fact, it was the one teacher that he has mentioned before in the context of I don't think Mrs. So-and-so likes me much so I was surprised by what it said:

(click on the picture to make it larger)

When I asked him about it, he told me that she had inadvertently given him close to full credit on a 150 point assignment which he had failed to turn in. His grade in this class was a C and the points she had given him brought it up to an A. However, as soon as he noticed the discrepancy, he told her. He didn't even entertain the idea of letting the extra points slide. She thanked him for his honesty and changed the grade on the assignment back to a zero. He did not regret his decision.

Coolister is already a smart kid. I know he knows his stuff for his classes, even when his grades don't show it (he tends to procrastinate much too often). The actions which prompted this postcard are the type of thing I want him to be learning. This is the stuff that will truly make a difference in his life.

Good grades are awesome, but good character is even better.

This is the education that I desire most for my family.

These are the moments that make me proud.

Genius Genes

Last year Coolister wanted to take an AP class at school. His counselor advised him against it. The counselor thought that it was a very difficult class for a sophomore and he should wait.

Did I know anything about AP classes? No. I didn't even know what AP stood for when I was in high school. Most of my classes began with the words "Introduction To". But, no matter. I told the counselor that I know my kid and my kid can take on a challenge like nobody's business. He let him register.

And you know what? Coolister proved me right (and made me proud). At the end of the school year, AP students take a test which covers the subject area of their class. A month or so later they get their test results in the mail. If they pass, they are able to receive college credit.

May I present further proof that Coolister has his dad's penchant for smartness:


If you were like me in high school, you may think AP stands for "Academically Privileged" and have no idea what a score of 5 means. Let me enlighten you (from The College Board website):

AP Exam grades are reported on a 5-point scale as follows:

5 Extremely well qualified
4 Well qualified
3 Qualified
2 Possibly qualified
1 No recommendation

That's right. Coolister is not only qualified for college credit in biology, he is extremely well qualified.

Pardon my mommy-blogger moment as I shout: THAT'S MY BOY!!

A Book Worth Reading!

I will be the first to admit that I am not a big fan of most non-fiction books. However, this one came highly recommended, and I am now on my second reading of it. The author, Oliver DeMille, brings to light so many truths about the way kids (and adults) are educated today and how it needs to change. It explains the differences between teaching someone what to learn, when to learn and how to learn. He also talks of exceptional teachers and their styles of teaching and mentoring in the classroom - how administrators need to back off and let teachers run their classrooms to fit the needs of individual students and allow for an atmosphere which fosters a love for learning. I wanted to purchase a copy for the principal of our elementary school, but I don't think she would read it and I wouldn't want to waste the gift of a wonderful book on someone who wouldn't appreciate it.

Wow...I didn't make it sound too exciting, did I? Well, just this once, you'll have to just trust me. I don't buy books until I have read them once and know they are worth it. This is a book I would buy in bulk and give as gifts to everyone I know!

If you have any interest in educating your children and/or the children around you to become future leaders, in helping them learn how to learn and not just what to learn (the bare minimum) in order to move up each grade level at school - this is the book for you!

Words are not something I am good with - I tend to turn my thoughts into muck at times when trying to express them in written/spoken language. Just know that this book has made me even more passionate about my children's education. Give it a read and see what you think!

P.S. If you live near me and want to borrow the City Library's copy, it will be back in 2 weeks. I just renewed it so I can continue to read while waiting for my own copy to arrive. After that, I would love to loan the book out if anyone is interested!