We know all children can learn under the best conditions: schools that offer a rich, well-rounded curriculum, skilled and passionate teachers, and a stable, supportive home where learning is valued.
But when children don’t have these ideal conditions, we often sell them short. We stop believing in their potential—blaming poverty, or the language they speak, or the color of their skin.
We call this
This is the gap between what adults believe is possible and what kids are actually capable of achieving. And when adults don’t believe in them, kids stop believing in themselves.
Every student, no matter what their circumstances, needs adults in their lives who believe in them. Who push them to great heights. Let’s send a different message. Let’s show kids that we believe. Let’s show each other we believe. Because they can.
A project of Education Post, a non-partisan nonprofit dedicated to building public support for better schools.
www.educationpost.org