I enjoyed this picture from our recent graduation ceremony (credit Sheryl Koers) as it is a great illustration of how the education system needs to tailor to the individual students. While the traditional caps and gowns is important and serves as a recognizable grounding, individuality shines through underneath in a very obvious manner.
It is amazing to see the staff and the system make subtle shifts to allow for individuality, mainly in the form of using competencies as the bench mark so kids can design projects that meet the curriculum and follow personal interest.
There has never been a better time to be in the system. In large numbers, parents and community also want these opportunities for our kids. There is a recognition that if we can teach kids to function within the expectations of a system and find a way to follow there interests, they will have fulfilling careers and more satisfied lives.
The graduation ceremony is a great time for reflection. Have we done well by these kids? Do they have what they need going forward? What is next? Maybe the answers to the questions partly lie in the shoes...
"Comfortable shoes and the freedom to leave are the two most important things in life" (Shel Silverstein).
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