At the beginning of Parshat Ki Tavo the Torah outlines the mitzvah of viddui ma'asrot, whereby once every three years an individual recites a declaration that he fulfilled all of the pertinent laws regarding the tithes. He gave terumah to the Kohein, maaser rishon to the Levi and followed the guidelines for the consumption of maaser sheni.
What is striking is that this recitation is identified as Viddui, typically translated as confession. During the Yamim Noraim season we are all familiar with viddui as it is an integral part of selichot and repeated ten times during davening on Yom Kippur. It always highlights our shortcomings, that we failed to fulfill or transgressed. In this declaration the individual states, quite to the contrary, that he did absolutely nothing wrong. He followed every last detail in conjunction with these mitzvot. Apparently, part of viddui is stating that we recognize our responsibilities to do that which is expected of us and that we had the capacity to follow through on all of G-D's demands upon us. It should generate a sense of pride (not arrogance) when we make our best effort and succeed.
Part of our educational philosophy incorporates this ideal. We will acknowledge a student when he acts ethically, morally, and in compliance with the Divine will. We will offer our Viddui to you when your son raises an interesting insight to explain a difficult text. When told how proud we are of your son, our hope remains that he realizes how his efforts have not gone for naught and will strive for even greater heights in the service of G-D and humanity.