Rigor is creating an environment in which each student is expected to learn at high levels,
each student is supported so he or she can learn at high levels,
and each student demonstrates learning at high levels (Blackburn, 2008).

Thursday, September 8, 2011

New HS Curriculum--is that enough for rigor?

I just read an interesting blog post that was very informative. I thought the focus on the new curriculum, with a lot of supporting details, was great.  However, rigor is more than the curriculum, and we make a serious mistake when we assume a rigorous curriculum will help all our students be successful. Rigor is weaving together all aspects of the classroom climate, including instruction, assessment and curriculum.  But simply raising the bar does not help students succeed.  We must also provide scaffolding to help them move to those higher levels of learning, and we must provide opportunities for each student to demonstrate learning.  Too often, I am in classrooms where one student answers a question.  The rest "tune out" because they aren't required to respond.  There are so many easy ways to have each student respond--pair-shares, electronic clickers, small whiteboards, etc.  How long will it take for us to address all issues--particularly HOW the new Common Core State Standards (or anything else your state is using) will be implemented? 

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