Foundational skills are the building blocks for success. We need to stop making excuses that the foundation isn’t interesting.

We hear a lot in education about students finding their passion and pursing their interests. While I can’t argue that finding a passion is important, having foundational academic skills provides the key to success in the future. We must strive for balance . . . the balance between academic skills and interests . . . the balance between school skills and life skills. Without balance, success in the future isn’t possible. Without balance, our students won’t be Ready for Tomorrow.

Yes, we must provide students with voice and choice; we must provide students opportunities for success in areas of interest. We must also teach students to be disciplined in areas that don’t come easily or aren’t as interesting. In any job, in any undertaking, there are things we must do that we don’t enjoy. Even when living our dreams and working in the ideal job, part of our daily responsibilities require discipline and focus.

Let’s prepare young people for success by modeling balance. Life is about passion and discipline, commitment and flexibility, work and play. Our job is to prepare students to be Ready for Tomorrow. It all starts with the cornerstone . . . and continues with each building block for success.