I heard this story on NPR this week, where four-year olds are learning self-control as part of their social development at school. It cited a recent study showing that students who exhibit better mastery of self at an early age, and even as teens, will fare better as adults financially, in the workplace, with their health and in their relationships.
The fact that we actually needed a study to get to this “finding” and the fact that the finding is reported as news proves just how much in denial Americans are about one of the biggest underlying reasons our education system is a failure.
Allow me to explain. Regardless of where you stand on “No Child Left Behind”, the adoption of a national standard, public, private, or charter schools, teacher unions, or classroom size—all the usual scapegoats—the fact is that most of today’s students have trouble exercising and focusing the power of their will and learning self-discipline. The ugly truth is simple. What is essential in order for learning to take place has not changed…we have.
Read more »