A student working at Sekere School
The answer for every single issue in our world is simple: education. That might seem like a broad statement, but try to think of a problem that can’t be solved by an educated citizenry. Most issues are extremely complex and it is foolish to seek a silver bullet solution. However, it is imperative we recognize how crucial it is that the children of today know how to think critically and express their beliefs and opinions through oral and written mediums. The future will be built upon science, math and engineering, while we will progress through our ability to read and write. Education opens up a world of possibility if only we hold high standards and recognize our limitless potential.
I am not familiar with any statistical study proving this, but I believe that the area most critical to the success of a school or education as a whole in a selected area, is the presence or absence of a culture of achievement. If the standards are high at all levels – government administration, school officials, teachers, parents, community leaders and students – success is inevitable. Again, that might seem broad or simplistic, but after spending four years in an environment with high intellectual standards, it’s hard to ignore the lack of such standards here in Pohnpei.
I want to be crystal clear on one thing – these students, including the ones who are extremely behind, are not dumb. They are very industrious, creative and downright tough (I have yet to see a Pohnpeian kid cry, despite witnessing some nasty falls). They are simply the products of a failed system. The institutions and traditions that make up this system are deeply entrenched and steeped in a culture of ambivalence. Working within this system has been a challenge to say the least. God is no doubt teaching me the importance of patience (over and over and over).
Despite any frustrations, I have enjoyed working with the kids conducting the student reading level assessments. Many times after finishing the assessment I would encourage the student to read more, adding “Knowledge is power!” It might be a bit corny, but it’s true! When I say “knowledge,” I’m not referring to knowing dates wars started and what an old white guy said (though as a history buff, those are good things to know!). For these kids, “knowledge” is reading proficiency. Here’s how it goes for far too many Pohnpeian students:
Here’s the problem. Now we’re going to do something about it. We visited all the principals of our adopted schools this week presenting them our report which included our recommendations derived from our teacher and principal evaluations and the results from our student reading level assessments. The principals were especially excited to get each student’s reading level. Now that they know what level each student is reading they can work with each student appropriately, giving him or her the proper amount of attention and assigning the proper resources.
Indeed, knowledge is power.
(Side note: I’m planning on posting on the blog once a week, on Thursday or Friday – so to most of you who read this, on Wednesday or Thursday. Occasionally I’ll post more often, and I might be delayed in posting if the Internet goes down like it did for a while this week. Just an FYI.)
I am not familiar with any statistical study proving this, but I believe that the area most critical to the success of a school or education as a whole in a selected area, is the presence or absence of a culture of achievement. If the standards are high at all levels – government administration, school officials, teachers, parents, community leaders and students – success is inevitable. Again, that might seem broad or simplistic, but after spending four years in an environment with high intellectual standards, it’s hard to ignore the lack of such standards here in Pohnpei.
I want to be crystal clear on one thing – these students, including the ones who are extremely behind, are not dumb. They are very industrious, creative and downright tough (I have yet to see a Pohnpeian kid cry, despite witnessing some nasty falls). They are simply the products of a failed system. The institutions and traditions that make up this system are deeply entrenched and steeped in a culture of ambivalence. Working within this system has been a challenge to say the least. God is no doubt teaching me the importance of patience (over and over and over).
Despite any frustrations, I have enjoyed working with the kids conducting the student reading level assessments. Many times after finishing the assessment I would encourage the student to read more, adding “Knowledge is power!” It might be a bit corny, but it’s true! When I say “knowledge,” I’m not referring to knowing dates wars started and what an old white guy said (though as a history buff, those are good things to know!). For these kids, “knowledge” is reading proficiency. Here’s how it goes for far too many Pohnpeian students:
- Enter high school 3-4 years behind in their reading level
- Get pushed through high school, being lucky if reading at an 8th grade level at graduation
- Enter COM (College of Micronesia) if pass entrance exam
- Face far too much remedial education at COM, become discouraged and drop out after less than a year
Here’s the problem. Now we’re going to do something about it. We visited all the principals of our adopted schools this week presenting them our report which included our recommendations derived from our teacher and principal evaluations and the results from our student reading level assessments. The principals were especially excited to get each student’s reading level. Now that they know what level each student is reading they can work with each student appropriately, giving him or her the proper amount of attention and assigning the proper resources.
Indeed, knowledge is power.
(Side note: I’m planning on posting on the blog once a week, on Thursday or Friday – so to most of you who read this, on Wednesday or Thursday. Occasionally I’ll post more often, and I might be delayed in posting if the Internet goes down like it did for a while this week. Just an FYI.)
A quote from Dr. Benjamin Rush, founder of Dickinson College, on the wall in the Dickinson Admissions Building
