I don't think for a moment that the students listening to that speech didn't "get it" better than their parents. You could just tell from the faces of the students in the background and the understanding nods and laughter in their faces.
I taught foreign language for 31+ years and had more than a few head-to-head conferences with helicopter parents who begged, cajoled, and even threatened me if their "special" child didn't get a pass or a higher grade.
The excuses ran the gambit from "they don't need this subject for the college they want to attend" to "if he/she doesn't pass, he/she won't get a scholarship or will be rejected by their college of choice." In essence
Iwould be ruinng their "special" child's future.
The fact is, I never bought into the "never tell a child he/she is wrong" philosophy of education. I never bought into the "good job" call when it was a "bad job". The kids knew it was bogus. I remember one day, on the morning announcements, a sports team getting a "good job" accolade when they didn't even score a point! As they heard it, team members laughed at the comment and said that they had sucked. They knew, why didn't the adults? They could have done without the cheery news that they had done a good job. They needed to just hear the results.
My response to all the pressure the students were under was, on the first day of classes, I guaranteed them they would all pass the class. Maybe not an A or B, but that they would pass. All they had to do was come prepared to class with their homework, pay attention, and study for tests and quizzes. I offered students who "weren't getting" it all the extra help they needed. I told them that if they failed a test or did well below their normal "best" they could re-take it after a session of extra help. I talked to them about the fact that the subject would be easier for some than others. I told them of my own difficulties with higher mathematics. I told them they all needed to work for their personal best.
The fact is, I had learned that I wasn't really giving a guarantee. All the students who met the basics passed the class all on their own. Those who skipped the homework (very necessary in that subject) and fooled around during class, and spent endless days anywhere but in school just didn't make the cut. Some may have passed, but others learned nothing much and needed to repeat the class before going on to the more difficult next level. They just weren't ready to move on.
I was being observed by the principal one day and was returning tests. One student had gotten a "C" and erupted in joy, showing the paper to her classmates, who praised her for her grade. Needless to say, the principal had a puzzled look on her face. She asked the student why she was so happy about a "C" and the student replied that it was the BEST grade she had gotten so far. She was happy to have moved up from F's and D's and her classmates were happy for her. One day, I saw a look on her face that was priceless. After having spent a semester working hard every day and having no clue what she was doing, she "got it" and all the puzzle pieces of the language fell into place for her. It finally made sense. She never scored lower than a "B" in that class and in the higher levels I had the privilege to teach her.
I prize the memory of each student who had that moment. I loved that there was a moment of total clarity for each one. They felt empowered that they could master something that they had never thought they could.
Yes, each child is special and has their strengths and weaknesses. They don't need to be told what they are, they know. But, behind them there are often parents who want their child to be special in everything they do. As the speaker said, they have been
pampered, cosseted, doted upon, helmeted, bubble-wrapped. Yes, capable adults with other things to do have held you, kissed you, fed you, wiped your mouth, wiped your bottom, trained you, taught you, tutored you, coached you, listened to you, counseled you, encouraged you, consoled you and encouraged you again. You’ve been nudged, cajoled, wheedled and implored. You’ve been feted and fawned over and called sweetie pie. Yes, you have. And, certainly, we’ve been to your games, your plays, your recitals, your science fairs. Absolutely, smiles ignite when you walk into a room, and hundreds gasp with delight at your every tweet. Why, maybe you’ve even had your picture in the Townsman!
Some may have bought into all they have been told and don't understand that it's not being "special" that is important, but knowing what they have earned for themselves and following their individual dreams is. Symbols such a trophies, awards, and perfect university placement are more important to them than that feeling in the gut that they are doing what will make them happy in the long run.
You can probably tell by the length of this post that I am strongly opinionated about the topic! I have just one thing to add.
My nephew is a fledgling mathematics professor at a major university. While studying, he had taught calculus to many students in his 10-year pursuit of his doctorate. Calculus is one subject where I never had the "aha" moment and I am in awe of his career. When he had to decide his major before moving from community college to a state university, he told me he didn't know what subject he would like to teach. He was thinking of going into physical education.
If you knew him, you would know that his sports involvement was limited to some street tennis. Huh? I asked him what his favorite subject was. He immediately told me he loved mathematics. Why not study that? Well, he did, and the rest is history.
Oh, and if you think this was a good speech to give before entering high school, it is also the perfect speech for those entering college as well. My nephew has had too many students give up on calculous and too many requests for a "pass" on the subject. He's had irate parents calling him. He's so stressed out about it.
Who is he teaching? Future engineers! Calculus is just the beginning for them. If they can't handle that, how will they ever be good engineers?