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Reader wants suggestions on improving student effort
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Anonymous user Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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0 responses 0 comments Reader wants suggestions on improving student effort
Dear Dick (Education Columnist),
I find The Southwest Voice in my driveway every week, but I usually throw it away because it lands right next to my trash can. I decided to read it and found your education column. It led me to the Web site and to your column’s archive.
I’ve read all of the previous articles, but your column on effort caught my eye. I am curious to hear your suggestions on improving student effort. What are the “keys to achievement” in place within your district? How successful are they, and how are they measured? Also, what is your background? Which district are you with?  When did you teach? How long did you teach? What grade level and which subject area?
I can’t wait to hear your suggestions.
Sincerely,
German Robledo
Southwest Voice reader

Dear German,
Thanks for your reply to my education column. It is always good to hear from our readers.
I have been in education for the past 40 years. I began my teaching career with the Bakersfield City School District in 1967. Between 1967 and 1981, I worked at three different schools in the district teaching grades three to eight. In 1981, I became assistant principal at Stockdale Christian School, a kindergarten through eighth grade school with a present enrollment of 710 students. I am currently serving there as superintendent. 
As you know, without effort, it is doubtful that any level of academic achievement will take place. The question is, how do you motivate a child to put forth his or her best effort? If I had the key to that question I would be a wealthy man. There is no easy answer to this question, although schools around the country are beginning to offer kids some lucrative incentives for showing up at school and working hard. 
We are having a very difficult time with our fifth-grade grandson who has lots of ability but is not much interested in academics. He needs constant supervision to get his work done. We have tried denying privileges, and providing incentives — none of which have been successful. 
As far as our school is concerned, we measure success as a product of student effort and keep in close touch with our parents when problems exist. Other than that, we continue to stress the importance of responsibility by giving out character awards, and by providing end-of-year trips for students who we feel have tried their best. 
As I stated in a previous article you read, motivating students to increase effort is a daunting task. 
Again, the point of the article was that students should bear some responsibility for low test scores for they are the ones doing the work. 
Sorry I cannot be more helpful as far as other suggestions. Thanks for your interest in my column and The Voice.
Dick Ferris

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