To be knocked down... only to arise again. The student you are helping knows that he has a mighty defender. Stand your ground, success will be yours! Beautifully written. Joy L. Hale

Grit, is what separates success from failure. Bulldog tenacity is one of the few attributes I possess. It serves me well. So, help this young man, "Rise Up", and be successful in this venture. A fine story and a wonderful presentation Dawn. Love and peace to you my friend. Jon Michael

I like what you are saying, for this particular student and as a metaphor of life in general.

Axilea

if baby steps is all you have right now......take them. -Morgan

This student is so very fortunate to have you, Dawn. Your commitment to his well-being is - at this moment - changing who he might've otherwise become. You are the good, the right, the light.

It seems Dawn, that this is the practice of school districts all over the world. A 12 year old student gets caught walking alone, and the next thing is put in an institution. Or a child dealing drugs is sent to the reformatory, instead of being shown that drugs are very harmful. Or a child argues with his teacher that what she is teaching him, has no foundation in his religion. Or the student just doesn't grasp the lessons well enough like the rest of the class. These are the children that need the help, but the system says it is too over burdened. But who made the system over burdened? The system did. Thank you for sharing, Dawn, you have said a lot in so few words.

May the Lord Bless you, and those whom you love, and be with you always, and walk by your side. With love in my heart, joy to the world, peace on earth, & ((((((((((MANY WONDERFUL SISTERLY HUGGGGSSSS)))))))))), your little sister Barbie.

Let's hope a difference can be made....well written, Dawn

a caring soul is a priceless thing indeed.
be well, poetess,
carolyn

Excellent poem Dawn, on a subject that is so very frustrating. I think you have the right answer, keep struggling forward steps praying things will get better.

ET

It is a real blessing that someone cares enough to stand with him. Your spiritual gifts are well represented here Dawn.
Blessings ...
r

Dawn - I'm a retired teacher and my wife taught special ed so I know exactly what you're speaking of. We all have something worthwhile to offer to the world. "A mind is a terrible thing to waste"
but so is a heart. Noble and compassionate poem, Dawn. - David

such a beautiful and powerful write-i love this, there is NO power in surrender-so true

It is becoming so difficult, I can relate and your writing is the reason why began homeschooling. God bless you for your hones efforts, you are one in a million...

Be always safe,
Karen

I think teaching would be rewarding, but difficult emotionally in situations like this. Stay strong:)
Sheila

You won't give up, Dawn, you're made of stronger stuff than that, but I feel the weight of your frustration and the struggle against a malfunctioning machine.
Honest worthwhile writing.

John

You do make a difference, Dawn, in the schoolroom
and in your fine writing. -gene.

Very simple but powerful sentiments. Be strong.

My daughter is a reading consultant in a very affluent town (Madison, CT) and she feels exactly the same way so many times. It is heartbreaking for the teachers that really do care.
You are such a good teacher, Dawn. The best will prevail.

Peace, love and light,
Amber

This is the whole problem with standardized testing. No Child Left Behind. Orwellian double-speak. The system is broken and by design. Most unfortunate indeed. Nice piece Dawn. Sorry for your frustration; but you're doing the right thing.

I must admit that my son is one of these... that falls through the cracks... It is of ultimate frustration to me.
Yesterday as my husband and I sat in a meeting with school officials and all of our son's teachers I was shocked and dismayed to hear the school personnel basically tell us that they couldn't help our son because "the tests show he doesn't qualify for services..." It doesn't seem to matter to anyone that the tests don't test what our son's learning disability covers... writing... We finally said, "If someone gives an essay test to someone who struggles with math it doesn't prove that he doesn't struggle with math!" You are right... there is no dignity in surrender and I refuse to do so. Thankfully, my son continues to strive to move forward against a sea of stupid rules that have forgotten the person they were intended to help. Sorry... off my soapbox now.
Cryssa :~)

...Oprah had a show on recently about just this, so many falling through the cracks..such a shame~

Well done, Dawn. I can feel the frustration.

Generous and powerful ~
You are a human being of heart, and your caring is such a blessing to that student even if all of your cries echo back.
I'll be thinking of you and praying for you two to win big!
Blessings,
Christine

Stand your ground sweet lady...and remember you do make a difference believe me...great writing..keep smiling always OK..Hugss

Trying to make a difference, in whatever way we can, is a marvelous endeavor.

Teachers leave a lasting impression on their students. Let nothing stand in your way.

When you are struggling against the machine and continuously are being kicked around the natural impulse is to just quit and go in another direction. Whatever endeavor you and your student are aiming for I give you kudos for fighting the fight even though the odds are stacked against you. Good luck.

Teachers like parents strive to bring out the best in those whose future is placed in their hands. It is frustrating and disheartening to feel we are being deterred but...take comfort in knowing that you do make a difference...
fee

VERY NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva