Real ‘secret’ of success

Re: “Great results the oldfashioned way; City’s Cogito schools earn top honours,” by David Staples, Commentary, May 31. I argue the secret of academic success among children in the Cogito program is not the old-fashioned teaching practices of the 1960s at all.

It is valuing learning as a lifelong endeavour, a strong work ethic and having a family that models and support these traits by exposing their children to rich literature and experiences from a young age, and having parents who are active in their child’s education.

Children who do not have this are not likely allowed to attend the Cogito schools, which the column says are only open to any child willing to work and able to perform at grade level. These are first and foremost taught in the home before starting school.

In the Cogito program, field trips are rare. Again, families who send their children to this program likely provide rich experiences for their children outside of school, helping them make connections to what they learn in school.

So, it is the attitudes and family values typical of children who attend Cogito schools, not the old-fashioned methodology, that is the not-so-secret key to success in this program and any program.

To measure success, perhaps we should look at schools that believe in inclusion and whose teachers work hard trying to reach all children and fill in the gaps created by family situations or learning or behavioural disabilities.

Robin Kinasevich, Edmonton