Like this child, all of my students had experienced various degrees of failure and frustration in their school careers, and all had devised a variety of techniques to insulate themselves from further stress and discomfort. Some shrank into seats in the back, making themselves as small as possible. Others appeared unapproachable and intimidating. I had students who already knew everything, and others who professed helplessness in the face of even the most uncomplicated tasks. Increase the level of agreement with any item and you are likely to see improvements in achievement, learning, on-task behavior, commitment, cooperation, and student responsibility.
Every child has the right to experience success in school.
And yet, given the range of abilities, intelligences, and learning preferences we encounter with any group of children, this goal can become quite a challenge. We back up, revise, regroup, and move ahead, depending on student needs. We set the bar at just the right height to challenge each student at a level at which success is, indeed, a possibility. I provide opportunities for success to each child in the classroom, encouraging growth from wherever they start. I assess student ability and adjust instruction to maintain an appropriate level of challenge for each.