Challenge makes life interesting and helps us grow. But if challenge is consistently offered at a level that is lower than our ability, the result can be boredom, frustration, and ultimately alienation. If challenge is consistently presented over our heads, the result is also frustration, alienation, and even dropping out or striking back. Challenge needs to be offered beyond where we are, but within reach if we stretch. To do that educators need to know as much as possible about their students and use appropriate assessment to guide instruction.
All people have basic needs in common critical to the fullest development of their potential.
According to Maslow they include basic physical needs and needs for safety and security, which are growing challenges in today's schools. Meeting these needs takes coordinated efforts on the part of homes, schools, social service agencies, and communities at large. Electronic technologies are an invaluable help in coordinating these efforts, but they are not yet being used to the fullest extent possible. Another basic need is for a sense of belonging, but students from diverse backgrounds do not always find it easy to become part of a group. If students are not accepted for who they are, they may resort to joining groups of other alienated students or even gangs.