Ball player Quote by Rafe Esquith
“Never compare one student's test score to another's. Always measure a child's progress against her past performance. There will always be a better reader, mathematician, or baseball player. Our goal is to help each student become as special as she can be as an individual--not to be more special than the kid sitting next to her.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The End of Homework? by Rafe Esquith, 2015
Assessment should focus on personal growth rather than competition, tracking each learner’s own development over time.
In simple terms: Judge students by their own progress, not by comparing them to peers.
Key Takeaway
Track individual improvement.
Themes
education
individuality
assessment
Mood
encouraging
thoughtful
Type
advisory
inspirational
When to use this quote
- classroom grading
- parent‑teacher conferences
- student self‑reflection
- curriculum planning
Key Concepts
growth mindset
personalized learning
equity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you design assessments that highlight personal growth?
- What strategies support each student’s unique strengths?
A Different Perspective
Comparisons can motivate some but often harm self‑esteem and intrinsic motivation.
