"From test score to measure of learning to measure of teaching to rank; From test score to measure of learning of risk of failure of death"

    It's been a long week, my brain's battery is low, and my body's battery is even lower so although I may not know where to most presently find the words for how much I loved reading the assigned chapter of Restler's What Do You Do That Can't Be Measured? On Radical Care and Teaching, please believe me when I stress just how much I seriously loved reading it. The undeniably important "what" it was all written about; the "why", the "who", the "where", the "how"- separated by methodology, tied together with bits of poetry, and laced with anecdotes beautiful enough to surpass setting the scene. Not only did I find myself reading certain points right in Victoria's voice (simultaneously realizing how much she is missed throughout my YDEV studies this time around) but I also thoroughly enjoyed taking a moment in between (and again afterwards) to poke around the collection of art that was received in response to the titular question. I am choosing to later end the blogpost with a screenshotted blip of just a few of my favorites but I promise there were so many more masterpieces than I have space to share so I encourage everyone to check them out if/when they get the chance. Anyhow, I really wish I could have seen if the Valued-Added Measurement's color-coded rankings were as ass-backwards as they seemed and I also think I need to figure out a way to read the rest of this book LOL

    Moreover, Lesley first posed "what does this Restler chapter raise for you?" and this inspired me to jot down all of the questions that were raised as I read on and took notes. Now I will refrain from copying over everything but of the questions that the chapter did raise for me were... How can I begin my capstone by directly placing (or even indirectly comforting) the reader the way that Restler has? What are some of the tools to use to provoke thoughts or mental images that could resonate a lifetime? Are there similar groups or spaces to NYCoRe and ItAGS here in Providence? Is there anyone else who would like to see what came out of Restler's rubbings of Betty's math classroom? Can we determine where in history it was when all of the magic that a teacher does was first ever equated to that of nothing but value-less work (and how could they have ever been so wrong)? Why was this the first time I have ever heard of "Echolalia"? Who thought the Chicago Public Schools' 2009 "Culture of Calm" Program was a good idea? And how about any of our country's "theoretical and methodological leaps necessary to create and maintain a centuries-long market of humans" (Restler, 2023, p. 14)?! In one way or another, I am sure we are all aware of just how shitty our world is but every now and then, somethings just sit heavier than others, you know? (For instance: the story of Rigoberto Ruelas).

    Anyhow, after finishing the chapter reading and spending a little time reflecting on how it may help me view myself and others- I next took an introspective deep dive into thinking up all of what I do that cannot be measured. I first jotted down how my love, empathy, and compassion could never be measured; and then the endless amount of hugs, high-fives, handshakes, fist-bumps, smiles, jokes, and fits of laughter came to mind. I know no one could ever measure the beauty of collaboration, imagination, connection, change; nor can they measure shared meals, games played, memories made, songs sung, and the deep impact of simply being made to feel safe. Last but certainly not least (although it is professional work like ours that is too often deemed socially less than others)- what's more immeasurable than ever are my active efforts at honoring the whole human that makes up every young person, celebrating each facet of all their intersecting identities, and not only helping youth envision a world that best meets their needs but too holding them up while they build it. 

    Before I go, I must thank anyone who took some time to read my thoughts today and if anyone else has also taken a look into the art that was collected as a result of this work, please share: what was/were your favorite/favorites?!