The standardized test has proved to be a motivational killer for students. Parents often place emphasis on how well students perform on tests. Parents should know that their children’s success isn’t completely tied to a brilliant performance on exams. Many countries, like Finland, have become part of deemphasizing the importance of exams. Do not overstress your kids.
A school principal in Singapore sent this letter to the parents before exams.
Dear Parents,
The exams of your child are to start soon. I know you are all really anxious for your child to do well.
But, please do remember, amongst the students who will be sitting for the exams there is an artist, who doesn’t need to understand Math…
There is an entrepreneur, who doesn’t care about History or English literature…
There is a musician, whose Chemistry marks won’t matter…
There’s an athlete…whose physical fitness is more important than Physics…
If your child does get top marks, that’s great! But if he or she doesn’t…please don’t take away their self-confidence and dignity from them.
Tell them it’s OK, it’s just an exam! They are cut out for much bigger things in life.
Tell them, no matter what they score…you love them and will not judge them.
Please do this, and when you do… watch your children conquer the world. One exam or low mark won’t take away…their dreams and talent.
And please, do not think that doctors and engineers…are the only happy people in the world.
With Warm Regards,
The Principal
The school’s mission should not only be developing intelligence but helping students find their intelligence in a multitude of areas. This would not only be better for education but society as a whole.
