My response to the Post’s misguided education columnist, Jay Mathews who suggested that ALL students should have completed Algebra by the 8th grade. My strong feeling about developmental readiness is why I do not offer classes to children under 9 years of age.
Children who would be “normal” in most other parts of the country are now labeled “ADHD.” In my son’s middle school, Ritilan and Concerta are now on the lunch menu. There is a VERY interesting article in the current issue of Washingtonian Magazine about we are medicating our children to the test.
The overachiever, Type-A nuttiness of our competitive community can be a bit wearing. When I reassured my son that a “B” is fine, my neighbors reacted as though I was saying it was ok for my him to sniff glue. When he was in first grade and had aspirations of being a limo driver, his teacher suggested we stage an “intervention” and that professional help be sought immediately. Someone please tell me when exactly are our kids supposed to have their childhood? When they are 20 and drop out of school to join a cult because they are so burned out? Do cults still exist other than yoga classes?
Tags: Bethesda Guitar Lessons, Chevy Chase Guitar Lessons, Developmental Readiness, GuitarFun, Sally Pessin, Washington Post