"Dear Editors of Newsweek,
Thank you for your cover article, "The New First Grade: Too Much
Too Soon?" You delineate the problem with clarity and insight.
Most
know that the real "tests" of life are about the ability to love,
tolerate, serve others, feel important in the stream of life,
be creative and not give up easily. The current tests the government
insists upon with children are not instructive or helpful to a
child's place in life. Practicing real "tests" in school builds
strength, wisdom, and commitment. Practicing artificial multiple
choice tests does much potential harm as you point out.
An
alternative to the current form of commonly practiced education
you depict is worth bringing to your attention. Practices in Waldorf
schools on this continent for nigh onto 80 years have produced
wonderful results: independent thinkers who are able to impart
meaning and direction in their lives, who choose many diverse
ways of life, different professions, and who know of commitment
to community. Waldorf educators view a human being as an unfolding
mystery of multiple sensibilities and potential. This view leads
a child to understand his or her own capacities. In Waldorf schools,
teachers and children practice cooperation and not competition,
understanding that every person has an important place in a community.
Academic excellence rises up through practical and artistic work,
not through accumulating information. Testing is not an essential
part of the accountability in Waldorf schools. Undue stress and
artificial evaluations of a "snap shot," under pressure, in a
child's comprehension are less useful than heart-warm and heart-wise
evaluation based on the assessment of a student's engagement and
dedication to learning, to rigorous thinking, to finishing things
well and beautifully.
Your
article brings good light onto the error in "Outcomes Based" education,
full of the fear of being left behind, fear of knowing less than
someone else, and anxiety about performance. Who ever thought
that fear, anxiety, or pressure to perform were good nourishment
on which to grow and to learn? No loving parent ever really has.
No inspired teacher ever really has. They have all been worried
into a position that is hard to escape. Joy, enthusiasm, keen
interest, confidence and caring teachers worthy of trust are a
part of a good educational formula by Waldorf school standards.
Without accountability about these elements in a child's education,
depression and anxiety might be considered reasonable responses!
With
gratitude,
Patrice
Maynard
Leader, Outreach and Development
Association of Waldorf Schools of N. America
65-2 Fern Hill Road Ghent, NY 12075
518-672-7878
pmaynard@awsna.org
