Massachusetts Kids Ranked Smartest

Posted By: The Rainbow Times December 10, 2011

January 28, 2011
By Echo Brooks/TRT Online Columnist

Massachusetts children are ranked the smartest in the country according to a report by The Daily Beast. Standardized testing known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NEPA, has Massachusetts fourth and eighth graders topping the charts in both reading and math. While the jury is still out on the conclusive evidence, it may say a lot for why Massachusetts is the way it is. According to the test results, our children are being taught. They are listening and learning. They are applying what they learn. It would be possible to conclude that this generation is being taught by fore fronting teachers as well as involved parents.

Massachusetts was, and still is, a leader in the fight for same sex marriage rights. It is no surprise that these well rounded children are the byproduct of those that fight for equality for everyone. These children have the distinct advantage of being surrounded by parents and community members with morals and values strong enough to create necessary change. These children are learning that tolerance and acceptance carry over into all things in life.

It is not a far stretch to assume these fourth and eighth graders scored so well on their tests because they have been positively influenced by the generation before them. Ethics and social skills make handling the learning environments our children spend their days in more positive. Tolerance and respect learned from their parents trickle down to how they treat their teachers and peers. Being privy to seeing the struggles and the victories of the gay and lesbian community enable them to better understand and deal with uncomfortable situations and bullying. Seeing first hand in their state that truly does get better and it is possible to have healthy relationships in the eyes of diversity, has to have an impact on their desire for education and a good life.

There is more to education than book smarts. Developing one’s mind and soul is equally important for true success.  Massachusetts kids have found that through emulating their parents and community leaders, success in education and life will follow.

Echo resides in northern New Jersey with her wife and the two youngest of their five children. You can visit her blog at dysphoricallyspeaking.blogspot.com or send comments and questions to dysphoricallyspeaking@gmail.com.

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