I had my semi-annual dental check-up today. I have known my hygienist for many years and I always look forward to seeing her and catching up. I was especially looking forward to this visit since her first-born recently started kindergarten. Knowing that I'm a teacher and that I was genuinely interested, she filled me in on every aspect as I lay there with my mouth open, periodically providing those grunty noises of encouragement and agreement you have to make when there are hands and tools in your mouth. She described the first days of school, the teacher, the other kids, the bus experience, recess, PE, music, even lunch, in vibrant detail. Not once, in all the elaboration however, did she mention standards, goals, test scores, or even her daughter's academic progress. This highly educated, well-read, very involved parent values education, yet when it came to her precious baby and loaning her to another adult for 6 hours a day, she was intently focused on and appreciative of how she was treated by the staff.

Over and over, she shared how grateful she was that the teacher (whom she'd just visited at conference time) truly loved her daughter, enjoyed her job, and demonstrated delight and joy in each child's unique gifts and abilities. She went on to talk about the Music and PE teachers, and how they were so enthusiastic and positive, how could her daughter not love being there? And the office staff and recess teachers consistently greeted her with kindness and joy whenever the opportunity arose. I left the office with a sparkling smile?.not just from clean teeth, but from yet another reminder that while getting children to standard academically is a critical part of my job and how I will be measured by the powers that be, it isn't the most critical part of what I do. I'm helping to prepare the next generation?.which we not only want to be smart, but compassionate, kind and confident.

This article might be missing links that were included at the time of publication.