Set the example!

Sir Ken Robinson makes an interesting point about public education by comparing it to a factory of mass production. In our education system we have standard tests and standards for grade levels that “conform” students to specific guidelines and grade levels. He goes on to say that schools today are “preoccupied with certain types of ability.” He says that his aim is to help students find their passion and inspire creativity. Here is where I have a problem in what he is saying…

As a society, I believe that we should have standards because we need to be able to compete with a growing technological society. The problem with our standards in this country is not with the standards themselves. The problem is with the way we teach the standards and the way we “rush” children through the system. We have pushed children through the system not worried about whether or not they will catch up next year or fall further behind. We have labeled children that can’t work at their grade level target as being learning disabled. Maybe we should not worry about years and time lines anymore and allow students to advance in grade levels ONLY when they pass the subject area demonstrating mastery of the content. This would require students to show motivation to move forward and would require those that need help to spend as much time as they need. Why do we have to categorize students by a grade level that requires them to master content in one year? Why can’t students work at their own pace and advance when they are emotionally ready to? Why isn’t there more flexibility?

If we adjusted these requirements it would allow teachers flexibility in teaching by giving them more time to teach. For example, it might be better for students to finish a science subject in 9 months, test, and move on to the next level. Where as, in language arts they should work for 11 months, test, and advance. Currently our students are testing between March and May in Virginia; this means that teachers only have from September to February to teach content material. That is only 6 months! Are we setting our children up to fail? To hate school?

I agree with Robinson, there is a need for more creativity and inspiration in schools. Most teachers would tell you they don’t have time to be creative. However, I feel that there are bigger issues to deal with that would fix this issue.

As a classroom teacher, you can’t change educational policy on your own. What you can do, is find a method that works best for you. Find what standards and practices go best together and how the students work best with each of them. Create more time in your classroom by find ways to combine content so that you can provide ways for students to demonstrate mastery of material in ways other then testing. When students are able to do hands-on, practical or design based learning activities it encourages them to make connections with content that forces them to use upper level thinking and inquiry skills.

And finally, to inspire creativity and passion in the classroom, teachers must always remember that they create the classroom environment. So, create an environment that encourages creativity and passion for content knowledge. Be the example that you want students to be!