From Standards to Self-Discovery: The Myth of Falling Behind

One of the most prevalent fears among parents considering alternative education paths is the idea of their child “falling behind”. It is a toxic belief that infiltrates the minds of both children and parents, instilling unnecessary worry rooted in outdated ideologies. 

In our society, we're conditioned to believe in a linear path of education. From the moment we enter the traditional schooling system, we're bombarded with arbitrary standards and timelines, creating an illusion of falling behind if our kids fail to do something fast enough. 

What if I told you that “behind” is not real?

In a system that mirrors a factory conveyor belt, the idea of being "behind" seems inevitable. It's logical when you demand all children to grasp the same concepts simultaneously and in the same manner. It's logical when the system is tied to metrics that prioritizes and incentivizes pushing students through, rather than fostering their true educational potentials. It's logical because these expectations are simply unattainable and unavoidably leave many children to slip through the cracks.

But let me ask you this: when was the last time a college or job application inquired about when you learned how to read, write your name, or count to 100? If your adult friend doesn’t have the war dates memorized or can’t solve long division, do you consider them behind?

The truth is, the milestones of traditional education hold little significance in the real world. 

Education is not a race with a predetermined finish line; it's a lifelong journey of discovery and growth. It’s inspiring one’s mind through a holistic process focused on individual development and reception. It is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and beliefs driven by insatiable curiosity of personal interests and inquiries with limitless possibilities. It is about seeking broader enlightenment for yourself to determine what knowledge is most valuable to your personal experiences.

Anything truly learned is never lost. Unlike rote memorization or fleeting facts crammed for exams, true learning penetrates deep into the fabric of our understanding, becoming an integral part of who we are. We dive deep into things we love or that will help us meet our personal goals, and engage in hands-on experiences that resonate with our innate curiosity. That knowledge becomes a part of us, sticking around even after school's over. It shapes how we see the world and stays with us no matter what life throws our way.

“No matter what tests show, very little of what is taught in school is learned, very little of what is learned is remembered, and very little of what is remembered is used. The things we learn, remember, and use are the things we seek out or meet in the daily, serious, nonschool parts of our lives.” - John Holt, How Children Fail

There is a deep-seated fear of needing to ensure our children learn everything by a certain age. We’re imposed with a predefined curriculum that dictates what we should know by each grade level based on historical precedents, cultural norms, and arbitrary decisions made by educational policymakers.

For generations, the collective has never questioned the rigidity of conventional educational standards. We just continue on with traditions that have long been upheld without debate. This has lead to a disconnect between what is deemed essential for children to learn and what is actually conducive to their organic development.

I urge you to trust in the inherent wisdom of your children. By letting go of the fear of falling behind and embracing the natural rhythms of learning, we pave the way for a brighter, more fulfilling future—one where education is not a means to an end, but a lifelong journey of self-discovery and growth, and where the only limits are those we impose upon ourselves. Let’s redefine what it means to be educated and empower future generations to chart their own path towards success and fulfillment.