Over the years as a school administrator, and in my role as a counselor, I have found myself having conversations with parents whose children were struggling to be successful at school. There were many reasons why these students were faltering such as developmental needs, specific learning concerns or social-emotional issues, each of which needed to be identified, addressed and supported. Some students were too reliant on others, lacked confidence in their own abilities or were disengaged from their own learning for a variety of reasons, whilst others still, lacked focus, motivation or the ability to manage their time in a way that allowed them to meet their academic commitments.
I would like to think that I speak for my peers when I say that no matter what curriculum a school follows, school support personnel work tirelessly to give struggling students the best chance of meeting with success. Much time and great effort are spent undertaking diagnostic testing, interpreting results and implementing a vast array of support structures, interventions and accommodations in a concerted effort to address student concerns but despite our best efforts, there are those students who continue to face challenges and find that success eludes them. It is in these cases that I believe we need to reflect upon the “fit” of the educational program in its entirety and consider whether the child might be better served by a different curriculum framework than the one in which they have been placed.
When advising senior students about careers, tertiary programs and the colleges to where they might head after high school, effective counselors focus heavily on “best fit” and consider diverse criteria such as location, setting, style of teaching, class size, programs, majors and extension opportunities when making a determination. Whilst progressing through the school years, however, the notion of “best fit” can sometimes be overlooked.
Like the clothes we wear, one curriculum does not fit all. A t-shirt that feels comfortable on one person may feel tight and uncomfortable on another. The students destined to be successful in a particular system will possess specific skill sets, strengths and attributes that best lend themselves to the tasks and challenges at hand. One curriculum might require students to demonstrate the ability to rote learn and regurgitate information taught from a text whereas another curriculum will reward the student who is open-minded, collaborative, communicative and analytical in their approach to learning.
The student who prefers to read a text, study its content and sit for a final exam might feel more comfortable in a curriculum that follows a traditional mode of learning and assessment. Those that flourish in a classroom learning environment surrounded by their peers may not reach their potential in an online mode and those individuals who struggle to be successful with final exams may meet with great success in a program that relies more upon ongoing assessments to determine progress.
Parents should be open to the idea of their child changing school systems if the evidence points them in that direction and not hold onto regrets, guilt or the notion that they may have “made a mistake” when making decisions in the past. Parents have great intentions and make informed choices when choosing a curriculum for their children. They consider the future, evaluate the benefits of the various systems, and think carefully about how a particular curriculum may enhance their child’s abilities, skills and opportunities but as children grow and develop, parents should not feel locked into a school and its curriculum at all costs. Just because a particular school was the best fit for a child when starting their schooling, it does not mean that it will be the best place for them to complete their journey. As students grow and develop so too will their needs, and if parents keep “fit” in mind, they will ensure that their child is best placed to reach his or her potential every step of the way.
It must be remembered that no matter what curriculum into which a student is placed, those actively involved in their studies, as well as being immersed in the life of the school and community, will have every chance of meeting with success in whatever path they choose to follow after graduation. Whether it is the IB Diploma, CIE, AP or a National School Certificate program, each system has its own merits and where it may be found to be lacking, then these gaps can be readily addressed through summer experiences, online learning options and opportunities in the wider community.
The intent of this post is not to promote one system over another but rather to take a pause and consider the notion that when a student finds that success is elusive in a particular school system then parents and school leaders need to consider whether there is a mismatch between the individual and the curriculum in which they are immersed.
I am not suggesting that at the first sign of a struggle parents change their child’s school, quite the opposite. I urge parents to work with teachers, counselors and school leaders to properly diagnose and subsequently address any issues that children face, however, whilst doing so keep “fit” in mind and consider whether the child is best suited to the learning environment in which they have been placed?
Undoubtedly, it is a difficult task for parents to determine the “best fit” when choosing the right curriculum for a nursery child. The same can be said for a young child who is still developing, especially when all aspects of their learning style remain a mystery. However, as students progress through school, more and more evidence will be available to be used in the decision-making process and if a mismatch becomes evident, then parents will need to weigh up their options and reconsider the value they place on such aspects as:
- A focus on academic performance and preparation for competitive exams vs a focus on holistic development including extra-curricular activities.
- Flexibility in subject choice vs a pre-set combination of subjects geared towards specific career goals.
- A focus on developing knowledge, experience and application vs a learning experience that is heavily based upon memory and recall.
- Teaching methods fostering collaboration vs teaching methods that encourage competition.
- Assessment methods include regular internal and continuous evaluation through research reports, essays and assignments vs assessment methods that are primarily written tests and examinations.
- Merit is assigned to a student’s individual performance vs importance placed on where a student stands in a pool of peers.
- A rigorous program of study vs a course of study that is easier and less stressful for the students.
“Best fit” is not only important when choosing a college or university program but rather it is a crucial factor in our choices throughout life; college, career, partner, home, family car… the list is endless.
We buy a new car when new family members arrive or our interests change from highway driving to adventure travels. We move homes when our family outgrows a space or find a new office space when our business expands and new recruits come on board. We change jobs when we are dissatisfied with our career pathway and we continue the search for the perfect life partner when our present relationship is not meeting our needs. Similarly, if the evidence points toward a school curriculum not being an individual’s “perfect match” then it is time to consider alternatives and find the learning experience that “best fits” an individual’s learning style, identified needs, and long-term goals.
Just like life in general, when it comes to a child’s education “best fit” is an essential consideration every step of the way!
Email: barry@dremac.co