Let's talk about the 4th Grade Slump. It's a thing. A real thing. (Feel free to Google it.) It's a thing that I've been thinking a lot about lately, because it's a thing that usually happens to lower-income students around 4th grade. In a nutshell, once students hit 4th grade, the gap between students who "can" and students who "can't" grows immensely. Believe it or not, some 4th graders score better on their beginning-of-the-year exams than they do on their end-of-the-year exams.
As embarrassing as it is, some of those 4th graders who inexplicably decline in their academic understanding have been in my class. After all, my kiddos are prime targets for such a thing to happen. According to studies, many of my kids are those who are "supposed" to be on the bottom end of that achievement gap. That's not OK with me. Stupid 4th grade slump.
I combat the odds, and I make sure my students know it. They're well aware of this "slump" thing, and they're constantly encouraged to rise above it. I'm weekly, if not daily, looking at data and homework and classwork to see if my kids are progressing or slumping. It's always a mini-victory whenever I see that even one student has progressed, even if it's only slightly. Even if it's only in one subject. Improvement is improvement.
However, behind every "failure" is a heartache. With every "F" that I assign, I wonder if my student has failed me or if I have failed my student. Inevitably, I spend hours, at times, planning little changes to my lessons in hopes that I'll reach those students who, for some reason, aren't getting it. (Maybe if I mention outer-space or Hotwheels or Sponge Bob in my next lessons, they'll be more engaged. Maybe if I ask better questions or differentiate or scaffold.....)
You see, I look at little Jimmy or Bobby or Suzie, and I see them in terms of their potential. I don't think they all need to be doctors or lawyers or astronauts or presidents-- unless they want to be. Honestly, I just want them to be happy adults. To me, happiness is success; and the surest way to help my students find that happiness is by equipping them with whatever skill sets they'll need in their future endeavors.
This last week, as I scoured over the dozens of data points, I realized something. I can always do better as a teacher. I can always work myself into the ground to help these kids bridge that achievement gap. But I'm only a human. I can only give my best effort, and my students can only give theirs.
But what about those days when my best effort isn't very much? Maybe I have a migraine or cramps or I spent the night throwing up. Or maybe I'm heartsick or worried for a loved-one. Maybe I'm disappointed because the 49ers lost to the Ravens. (That was a sad week. Definitely didn't have much to give then.) At any rate, I have to make peace with those circumstances. I have to forgive myself for being mortal. My best effort may vary from day to day, but I had better make sure that each step I make is the absolute best that I can give at that moment in time.
I think about my kids too. Even if I were a perfect teacher, I guarantee that there would still be some students who slump. In Mormon lingo, it all boils down to agency. Agency: people are allowed to make their own decisions-- no one should be forced into believing or doing anything. All people, even children, are allowed to act for themselves and let the consequences follow, for better or worse.... It's like that old adage: You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.... While I'm striving to do my best, I realize that some of my little guys are not striving to do theirs. What then?
And what about those little ones who are giving their best effort. They're giving it all that they've got-- yet their achievement isn't high enough. If it were up to me, tenacity would be just as important as I.Q. I find myself constantly praying for my kids in this category. I pray that someday their efforts will be met with the success (aka happiness) they deserve.
One last thought: We're all students, in a way. Hopefully we take advantage of our time here in life to learn, to learn new things daily. Hopefully we take advantage of our time by not just doing good things, but also by being good things. As I write this, I can't help but think of a Master Teacher who, through word and example, shows what it truly means to put forth one's best effort. I know that not everyone thinks Jesus Christ is the Messiah, but I do. I believe He did all that He could do in order for me to find success/happiness now and forever. He doesn't ask much in return. Not really-- only a humble heart and a teachable spirit. All He needs from me, in order for me to overcome my own personal slumps, is my best effort. He'll make up the difference.
