By Niki Cervantes
Staff Writer

June 4, 2015 -- What is a worthwhile life? That is the question 350 seventh-graders at Lincoln Middle School in Santa Monica were asked recently during interviews as part of an exercise to assess their ability to reflect on the big decisions coming in their lives.

The answers were not tallied, though, since the purpose was to assess how well students could formulate, and present, answers to such questions, said. Gail Pinsker, a spokesperson for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District

Photos Credit: Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District

Students answered the question based on what they’d learned throughout the year, Pinsker said. The idea was to prompt them to reflect on their own personal goals and significant decisions.

They were also asked to think of historical figures – a scientist, or characters in books, for instance – that exemplified what a worthwhile life would be, Pinsker said.

Sharon Klein Hart, a Lincoln English and history teacher, and also seventh-grade coordinator, said seventh-grade was a good time for pose such a question.

“Studies show that this is a pivotal age for educators and our school community to help students make real-world associations to what they’re learning in school,” she said.

She said the project – now in its 24th year – provides students with a way to formulate their ideas about what is important and worthwhile in their lives.

The students “not only stay motivated and interested, but are on track to become better students and citizens,” Hart said.

Pinsker said the interviews lasted about 15 minutes and were conducted by local college professors, Rand researchers, former teachers and students, local business members and SMMUSD administrators, among others. More than 50 adults participated.

Students also received training in advance, so they’d understand the format and conditions, she said. The interviews took place in the school’s newly renovated library. Pinsker also said the students “dressed for success.”