American education is becoming more and more dependent on standardized exams. We are testing students in younger and younger grades, in as many subjects as we possibly can. Teaching for the test is often the result, with “proficiency” defined as “acceptable.” “Acceptable” can be defined in one of two ways: (1) as a pass or (2) as a grade permissible to that student and/or his parents. But is this truly the best possible way to educate?
Dr. Kathy Koch has spent her career using Dr. Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory to help kids fight low self-esteem and take control of their own education. A quick overview is in the following list. You may have any combination of them as preferable methods to use when you learn.
Linguistic Intelligence - you like words, how they sound, how they interact together. You like reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar.
Mathematical/Logical Intelligence - you like thinking in terms of logic and numbers. You like puzzles.
In reality, Kenny’s name is Carlos.
Carlos Sandoval.
Not sure where I got started calling him Kenny. I guess I always did like the name, and it just fit. Kenny was short, sharp-featured, and pretty much the only reason I didn’t drop out of school the minute I turned sixteen.
“Cream soda?”
“Sure.”
He tossed the old-fashioned glass bottle from hand to hand as they waited in line. It made her nervous; she couldn’t help but fear that he’d drop it. Swiftly back and forth through the air it went, constantly in danger of shattering and completely at his mercy.
Note: This is by no means a complete essay... there are many issues to consider when pushing for/advocating homeschooling for everyone. Yes, I believe it is biblical, but the way the world is right now it is not possible for everyone to homeschool. Yet we cannot just sit back and say the world isn't ready, because unless we start to change it, it never will. Start with what we can do, leave the rest to God.
I am fifteen. I am standing in the arena at Spice Creek Stables while five riders circle me, as Bill Richey’s apprentice. I am uncomfortable, and ashamed that I feel this way when everyone keeps telling me what a great opportunity this is. I want to be an instructor, I want a job with horses, but now I am unhappy and I don’t even know why.