Empathy is like a universal solvent. Any problem immersed in empathy becomes soluble ~ Simon Baron-Cohen
Empathy is fundamental for interpersonal relationships.
In its’ simplest form, empathy is the ability to understand other people’s perspectives on a situation. It enables you to use that insight to support them through challenging situations.
The College Board gives the SAT college admission exams. This test is hard. It requires the student to sit in one place for almost four hours, answering questions that measure reading comprehension, computational ability, and clarity of expression.
Gaston Caperton, Former Governor of West Virginia was elected to serve in that capacity not once, but twice.
Following this, he went on to become the president and CEO of the College Board. In that role, he worked to add accommodations options for students.
These accommodations include:
- Extended time
- Computer use for essays (instead of handwriting them)
- Extra and extended breaks
- Reading accommodations (like an audio test format)
- Use of a four-function calculator for math sections
- Multiple-day testing
- Small group setting
Because Gaston Caperton is dyslexic, he understood parents’ concerns about getting their children access to supports like these.
He demonstrated empathy when he took action and provided a crucial solution for thousands of students who are required to take the SAT to enter college.
Florence, awesome! Hopefully, more and more educators are structuring in assistance for those who learn differently.
More and more states are passing legislation to facilitate the appropriate education of dyslexics. Thank God!
What a wonderful man. Taking his weakness and making change through his understanding and experience. My daughter has used these accommodations. So thankful for them.
Many parents are grateful for them.
I love this blog and your example how it only takes 1 person, the right person, to get things accomplished because of his empathy for others, dyslexic or not. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome, Deb. I find that experiencing hardship of any kind helps one think differently about others who are going through challenging situations.
It is interesting that there is a standardized test to enter college. Is it the same test used to enter a university? Is it the same for each state? I understand different colleges require a higher score for entry?
Now, is there a standardized test for graduating from a college?
Yes, Doug, the same SAT test is used for entrance to a university. Different colleges may require different minimum scores, but this test is taken on a national level. Your question about testing before graduating is an excellent one. As far as I know, the answer is “no.”