Finding the Conditions for Success
As Laura looked back on the two years, she knew she had succeeded in educating her students not only for competence, but also for caring. How long this competence would last, Laura did not know. Many things contributed to her success. Laura’s class of approximately 20 students was mostly self-contained, and many students were in the class for two years, allowing her time to bond with them. Laura’s school was part of the Child Development Project which advocated and supported Laura’s teaching style and philosophy. Laura’s principal was supportive, and she had a trusted colleague who would help when some students presented serious problems. Would her students go on to lead successful lives? Many faced huge obstacles. Some might not make it. But she felt confident she had succeeded in helping each of them make real progress.