"Slipping into Irrelevance: When Exeter Reduces Rigor" - What do you think?

<p>I’ve only observed a math class once, so my experience is as limited as yours, Tolkien, but I was surprised to read your comment, because my kid’s math class was set up in such a way that everyone had to be involved–as the class came in, each put one problem on the board which he/she then explained to the class in turn. ( My kid always tried to get there early so that he could have his pick of problems!) I guess I assumed that’s how math was done at Exeter, but I suppose it might well be different in upper level classes. As a teacher, though, I’d count the small group work as class participation–often I use it as a way to get my quieter students to open up and participate. </p>

<p>I agree with the general comments above about the “hands-off” approach at a school like Exeter that can be both a blessing and a curse for kids. I’ve found ways, though, to stay involved in my kid’s life to make sure he gets the support he needs, before the little stuff grows into something big. As a new parent, don’t hesitate to make personal contact with the adviser early on and then let him/her know as soon as you sense any kind of strain or trouble. Kids will often put on their “game face” around faculty and dorm parents, but open up if approached directly.</p>

<p>Another article was posted recently, “Pass It Forward? Take It Back!”</p>

<p>If you’d like to, take a look:</p>

<p>[The</a> Exonian](<a href=“http://theexonian.com/2011/05/12/opinion/pass_it_forward_take_it_back]The”>http://theexonian.com/2011/05/12/opinion/pass_it_forward_take_it_back)</p>

<p>Interesting article. As expected, Exeter students are genuinely divided on the issue. As a parent, however, I am concerned by the attitude “If we can’t handle it—if it makes us stressed, ill, or disturbed—then we owe it to our fellow students to leave”. Also seems the same attitude is shared by at least one school administrator, Dean of Residential Life Russell Weatherspoon: “he had told new proctors that he has little tolerance when students whine about the Academy’s rigor. The roads are open 24/7”. </p>

<p>I am glad to see the rigorous debate currently ongoing at Exeter.</p>

<p>Would love to read this one article, but don’t want an ongoing subscription. Can someone PM the article to me?</p>

<p>I will. 10 char.</p>

<p>Thanks. Just read it. It reminds me so much of my Ayn Rand phase during college. The author, Evan Soltas ‘12, displays the vigorous self-assurance of a strong intellect shortchanged by youth and inexperience. Let’s face it, a black and white view of the world is easier on the mind, Mr. Soltas’ included. His short, passionate screed favoring Exeter’s Darwinian psychological roots lays bear the fundamental problem the School faces - that life is actually gray, life is relative, life is messy, people and organizations must change to stay healthy, even Exeter. Of course, this is anathema to a small percentage of society (in my view the ones who never grow out of Ayn Rand) who become panicked if their carefully constructed view of the world is reexamined and changed, even incrementally.</p>

<p>Rigor is good, but not without flexibility. Imagine an NFL linebacker with 8% body fat trying to navigate the Maui pipeline.</p>

<p>To all on this thread, check out the Race To Nowhere thread.
There is a link by Rellielou by Sir Ken Johnson on how our education is inhibiting creativity.
Food for thought here!
<a href=“http://sirkenrobinson.com/skr/watch[/url]”>http://sirkenrobinson.com/skr/watch&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Parlabane: Do you think you could be any more pompous? Making references to Ayn Rand on a prep school chat board, in reference to an editorial in a high school newspaper written by a 16 year old. Pathetic. You must live in a carefully constructed little world of your own. Don’t panic!</p>

<p>Here we go again with the unprovoked attacks…</p>

<p>Ditto,</p>

<p>I don’t get why a reference to Ayn Rand is inappropriate in a debate. Or why it would be called pompous. </p>

<p>I do think Parlabane’s reference to the student’s youth and inexperience is the reason why I asked Exeter to start blocking the site to unauthorized users (they’re working on a better password method). The author isn’t here to defend her views.</p>

<p>Having said that, attacking Parlabane was also not fair game. Heck to get through the tomes Rand wrote requires some degree of perseverance for sure.</p>

<p>Yeah, not sure why Parlabane is pompous for citing Ayn Rand. I don’t think she’s too advanced for a 16 year old, much less an Exeter student. I’ll bet the student reads authors far more complex in class. Parlabane is one of the tougher voices on this site, but right mostly, in my view at least. Exeter123, your reaction seems defensive.</p>

<p>I generally don’t like posters act as if they were working for a particular school - that is, they always defend the school they are associated with no matter what, but in this discussion, I’m a little surprised that quite a few Exeter alums’ “ambiguous” position on the issue. If they are a good representation of Exeter’s alumni, I’d say probably there is indeed a bigger problem than the school administration would like to admit or address. I can understand why the current students may have an ambivalent attitude given the kind of pressure and competition they are facing, but if in 10 or 20 years they still don’t like it it’s a problem. </p>

<p>I wonder how many of the Exeter alums here tried or would try to send their own kids to Exeter?</p>

<p>From viewing this thread, I came to a conclusion. Exeter isn’t for everyone, but please stop considering it this depresssed school with depressed alum. I was invited to an Exeter alum meeting not that far back, it featured students from the class of 1948 to 2010. I was just an observer but all these people from different backgrounds, proffesions, and age had one thing in common their love for Exeter and continued support. Exeter still functions as a top notch boarding school through it’s alum association, so please don’t just assume the alums have an ambivalent attitude. I’ve talked for extensive hours with students. From what I hear, is Exeter stressful? Yes? Do you still love your Exeter experience? Yes. So unless your a parent, student, or alum I don’t think it’s fair for people to judge Exeter. This article is an opinion of one student and probably more but don’t assume that exeter is a depressed school filled with ambivalent alum.</p>

<p>Because it seems quite relevant to this thread, I want to talk about the Exonian a little bit. First of all, I know that the login for the online Exonian has been spreading around, but be aware that this login will soon not work, and only people who purchase a subscription will be able to view these articles with a unique login.</p>

<p>Second, it is very inaccurate to judge Exeter based on a few articles that teenagers have written in the school paper, especially the opinion articles that express the views of one student. It is easier for current Exeter students and teachers to benefit from these articles because we know the students who wrote them, and we know the events to which the authors are reacting. For example, how could you fully comprehend a student’s reaction to a particular assembly if you were not at that assembly?</p>

<p>I am just warning you all that the Exonian is simply a newspaper meant primarily to inform its students and teachers of the happenings of the school. It is not a book of absolute truths about Exeter, so please do not take it to be so.</p>

<p>musisat,</p>

<p>I think we have to be careful not to conflate fact with opinion. The op-ed in question stated the apparent fact that 25% of Exeter students receive counseling and then expressed an opinion about this apparent fact. While reasonable people can disagree about the opinion so expressed, the fact is not debatable if it is correct.</p>

<p>I am curious to find out where this supposed statistic came from.</p>

<p>A document on the Exeter website, “Taking Care of the Whole Student”, says that 200 students visited the counselors “last year” (the document was written in 2008). (Andover’s counseling service reports the same number on their website.) I think this is consistent with the 25% number: Exeter may have increased outreach, or counted the kids in their ASAP program (which you can read about on the website) in the larger number. I think the counseling services sound great, and it’s clear from the article why kids in an academically intense boarding situation might need them at a higher rate than other kids.</p>

<p>Posters who are curious about things like this for Exeter and other schools can find lots of interesting information on the websites, which explain the counseling services well.</p>

<p>Also - please realize counseling is not always about “pressure.” When I was a student it surprised me how many other students had received no guidance at home re: dating, puberty, life skills, etc. </p>

<p>Sometimes counseling is a good supplement to helping a student develop coping skills, learn strategies for living in an environment that is more culturally diverse, etc.</p>

<p>Sometimes counseling is a good place to deal with issues off campus (divorcing parents, feuding parents, death of a loved one, etc.)</p>

<p>Sometimes kids just need to unload in a safe place.</p>

<p>Absent of more data - we can’t read too much into this.</p>

<p>Exeter is a tough place. I thrived there. But I also had permission from my mother to push the boundaries and test the “fences.” I hold a lot of affection in my heart - but I also do warn students (and parents) that it’s not for everyone and it’s not for the faint of heart. Ignore the “stats” and the “prestige” and look at “fit” I often say. But I’m also often ignored. The “lure” of something glittery often trumps a better choice elsewhere for a particular individual. Or parent pressure to attend - which is worse.</p>

<p>Exeter is a sink or swim school. If you’re sinking, they’ll throw out a life preserver if you are mature enough to ask. But even then, they won’t provided the answers - just point you in the right direction. It’s just not that kind of place.</p>

<p>on a similar/related topic: [Are</a> You Serious, Andover? | The Phillipian Online](<a href=“http://phillipian.net/articles/2011/05/26/are-you-serious-andover]Are”>Are You Serious, Andover? – The Phillipian)</p>