ROGERS — When No Child Left Behind was introduced in 2001, most of the discussion about it was focused on the accountability piece. Accountability is measured differently in each state, and, in my opinion, Arkansas has a more rigorous method to assess student academic achievement than many of the surrounding states. While I do believe assessment is a very important factor in assuring all students are academically successful, I think we should focus just as much on the social, emotional and physical needs of all students in order to ensure their success as a human beings and members of our community.

A few years ago, I read the following comment, "Without major social investment in both classroom and out-of-school support for low-income children, it is absurd to believe that more tests will enable schools to overcome the gaps in academic learning." The more years I spend as a middleschool administrator, the more I believe this statement is so true. When your family is struggling to survive, everything else falls by the wayside.

Tragedy brings to the surface what is really important. With job loss or other financial hardships, finding a way to provide food and shelter becomes the focus. When a family suffers a death or divorce, dealing withthe grief and loss becomes allconsuming. How can we expect our children to perform well on a test if they are sitting in a classroom hungry? If there is turmoil at home, it is almost impossible for a child to focus on, much less prioritize class work. When parents feel isolated within the community - their own needs unmet - it is much more difficult for them to provide the emotional support their children need. These families need help from the community, from their employers and from their schools. They need help from you and from me.

I am fortunate to work in a district that provides students with social support by way of counselors and social workers in every building. It seems though each year more and more support is needed for students inside and outside of school, and we are becoming very short-handed. Every community needs to realize that parents require just as much support as children, and it is every community member's responsibility to make sure parents and children succeed. I always tell children that I live by one rule; you reap what you sow. As a human being I try to plant healthy seeds every day by treating others the way I want to be treated. We must all do this because it really does take a village to raise a child.

Everyone seems to be struggling these days. It's time to stop waiting for "someone" to help. It's time to be that someone. It doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes just taking a few extra minutes to say hello and provide a listening ear can make a difference. Perhaps you could provide a meal one evening or offer to help with childcare or mowing the lawn.

It's amazing how one act of kindness can make such a huge impact. And the ripple effect it creates is far-reaching.

The same is true in our schools. We need adults to be involved as mentors or helpers. Often, school is the only stable thing in a child's life. Imagine how much better it could be if every child had a positive role model they could turn to with questions or concerns. Not perfect people, just caring, willing people. If we could make this a reality, I believe we would all be better off. We might just find ourselves celebrating their awesome test scores, too.

Molly Davis is the assistant principal at Birch Kirksey Middle School.

Scholars, Pages 8 on 08/19/2009

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