Wednesday, October 24, 2007

still in question

i just got home from a parent - principal meeting for Savvy.
and i feel some better.
but not so good as to rule out there is not a learning difference for her.

we have some specific interventions planned for her and will meet again in six weeks to evaluate her progress.
that's good.

the dyslexia coordinator thanked me for being such a proactive, concerned parent.
i told them it really irked me when parents won't advocate for their kids.
and then the principal (who is not one of my most favorite people) tells me that a lot of parents advocate for their kids.
they just aren't willing to put their shoulder to the grindstone and follow through.

i'm a shoulder to the grindstone type mom.
not bragging.
just the way i am.
how i was raised.
i put an extremely high premium on education and learning.
i value exceptional teachers above almost all else.

everyone in my immediate family has a college degree. my mom has several. We all love to read and learn. We do not have stagnant minds.

thank God I have my mom and the rest of my support network. Mom sends me articles, gives me advice, encourages me, pushes me (usually in the right direction), and she has always valued education.

she told me many years ago that "education is the equalizer."
not position. not wealth. not pedigree.

education. regardless of the rest, if you have a solid education and a love of learning, you can overcome a crappy upbringing, abject poverty, low social position and just about any prejudice.

and i think she's right.

i guess that's why i fight so dang hard for my kids.
i fail miserably in several aspects of being a mother. no, really, i do.

but i figure i can make up for a lot by assuring that my kids get the absolute very best education they can - while at the same time, loving it. i wish to instill in them a passion for learning as well as an appreciation of creativity.

i have to light the fire and stoke it for years to come. that is my job.

and my job here will be done only when i am not the one pushing them through their education. i will be done when they step out on their own with a deep abiding hunger to learn, experience, and do more.