May 6, 2010
This week at Heartland Christian Academy, boys and girls will have been facing the rigors of standardized testing. Along with the Iowa Test of Basic Skills that many of us recall from our own school days, Heartland uses mid-term reports and end-of-quarter report cards, as well as parent teacher conferences, to evaluate whether or not a child is making sufficient academic progress for their age and grade. These are tools for determining success in school.
But, what exactly does “success” look like for a student? How can it be defined, when children are designed by their creator so differently? Are there areas of success that cannot be measured by a test, or even a report card? For the next several weeks, I will try to share some insight into student success that will help us clarify what we should be looking for as the school year draws to a close.
As a principal in a Christian school, I am aware that proper development in a child goes beyond academics, alone. We know that human beings are more than just a conscious collection of organic chemicals encased in some multi-cellular organism that we recognize as a body. We are body, but also mind, will and emotions, referred to as the soul, and eternal beings with a spirit known fully to God alone. Is it possible to expect progress, growth and success in each of these components? Can a sound education impact the body, soul and spirit of a child in a way that can be evaluated as progress? Let’s explore that question, beginning with the body.
We live in an age where the condition of our bodies is under close scrutiny. Information regarding diet, supplements, exercise, body fat ratios, muscle tone and health care is everywhere. As Christians, we recognize that our bodies are a gift from God. As gifts, they deserve our attention and care. How can that attention and care be reflected in school?
First, children and their parents must recognize the great diversity of human body forms that should be considered “normal.” We have a creative God that made us in all shapes and sizes. Success in this area can be defined as healthy acceptance of a child for his or her body type, along with a desire to keep that unique body in as good a shape as it can be.
Second, children need to be given the chance to use and enjoy their physical strength, speed and agility. Some may be runners, others are climbers, or kickers or throwers. I was a swimmer. Regardless of how physical skills are specifically developed, simply using these abilities for both friendly competition and pure enjoyment is a measure of success. Do your children have some physical activity in which they have demonstrated progress and enjoyment this year?
Finally, success is found in knowledge. Do your children know healthy choices from less healthy or even dangerous ones, in terms of what they put into their bodies or how they use them? A good school will teach these things for a lifetime of “body success.”
Our broadcast today was sponsored by Northern Safety and Security, committed to the safety of Northland families.