Super powers that motivate

In this heartwarming video, Wonder Capes help 6 year-old cancer patients find the courage to heal. It makes me wonder what "wonder capes" will help American students find their own super powers to do anything they set their minds to.

Karmatube's video of the week, titled Wonder Capes, tells the story of Amy Pankrantz who makes superhero capes for children. Amy's Wonder Capes are for children who my mind are already superheros. They have cancer and the number of rounds of chemotherapy they have gone through exceeds their own age. The Wonder Capes make the children feel like superheroes, able to take on anything. They wear them and feel bold or safe, like they are ready to take on the next round of treatment. Its quite unbelievable, what these youngsters are able to do because they believe in their own powers.

Reading Robert Samuelson's recent Washington Post article on how lack of motivation seems to be the most significant factor standing in the way of school success for American students made me wonder what it might mean for every child to find their own superpower. What "wonder cape" will give each child in each school the wings to take off, to have faith in themselves, to have the courage to do anything they set their minds to? How can education reform motivate students by helping them find their own super powers?