If it ain't working.............

The first step in changing the system is to stop doing the things we know will fail

While this statement was not written specifically about schools it could apply just as easily to our children's education. The old saying "If it ain't broke then don’t fix it" could perhaps be reworded to say …….. if it ain't working, then fix it.

Teachers might be inspired to try a new approach with a student who doesn't seem to be making progress instead of continuing to do something which hasn't worked to date. After all it  doesn't make sense to think that that more of the same will bring about a different outcome if it didn't work the first time....

Schools might be inclined to consider the role of testing in identifying deep learning (as distinct from shallow thinking and lower order skills), or even in choosing who is in and who is out of special programs when they read some of what neuroscience is discovering about learning, especially when it is considered in light of the world our children will enter when they are finished with school learning.

Parents might also gain confidence in their own judgement. If your child's school experience isn't positive in terms of their learning, or perhaps their mental health, then something needs to change. And you can be an agent of change.

Parents often believe that their child must to go to school regardless. While the is a legal requirement to attend school from the year the child turns 6 1/2, there are options if the current situation isn't healthy. Homeschooling can provide a much closer match between a child's needs and their  learning and there are a raft of options available for parents. A 'holiday' or travel experience can also provide the space to work out what might work better. Or the occasional 'mental health' day to reduce stress levels (of both child and parent) can make the world of difference if other options aren't immediately achievable.

You know your child better than anyone else, you live with them when times are good and also when things are not going well and know that the impact is greater than just on the child. If things are not working, then gather the information you can, look at options and work out how you can avoid being part of something that you know is failing.