Date: Sun, 19 May 2002 09:20:18 -0400 (EDT)
Random Thought: What Counts

There was a calming, but stirring, message in my mailbox this stormy morning. It was sent by a former student from whom I haven't heard in a few years. It brought back a flood of memories. It gave me pause. It tightened my chest. It slowed my breathing. It brought tears to my eyes. I must have read that message three or four times. I cannot share either it or the story behind it. I'll just say it is for me a poignant and jolting and reinforcing reminder that before anyone throws him/herself prostrate before the idol of Assessment understand one thing: a lot, an awful lot, in education that counts cannot be counted.