I know it’s temporary, it will pass, but today I got a kick in the teeth that reminded me of why I pulled Katie out of public school in the first place: she came home defeated. She worked really hard on some homework, I checked it, it was good but she got a poor grade because of interpretation.

I have no idea if her teacher understands how hard she works on things at home to do her best work. I don’t understand what it’s like to look out at a classroom of students – many who could give a crap about being there – and have to not only teach, but motivate them to work hard and learn. But Katie’s not one of those kids. At least not yet.

And yet, when she got to class, the homework was redistributed, kids graded each other’s papers and if the answer wasn’t what the teacher was looking for, it was marked down. I believe it the teacher had actually seen her answer, she might not have been marked down.

I want this to work. I actually have a half-written blog about all the things that are delighting me about her new school. But today sucked. I wish so much that there was “space” in public school for kids to succeed but not have to do it in the same way. I mean sure, in math class, there is a right answer. But in classes like literature where interpretation is essential.

I spend my days working with folks in Silicon Valley and the most dull and useless are those who behave prescriptively. I am blessed to be able to work with bright, creative people who push themselves to look at things in new ways. Or to combine unlike items. Katie does that now. I don’t want it beat out of her.

But I will take it day by day. I will hope for the best. It’s just the third week of school. It’s going to get better, right?

In the meantime, I guess it’s time for a quick trip to Baskin-Robbins to try and save the day!