As business is changing what it needs from its workforce, I believe that literacy is also changing. The fact that new standards address some of the multifaceted aspects of literacy is a good sign.
However, the focus on the debate of "creativity and innovation" vs. "common core" is missing the forest for the trees. I respectfully submit a third option.
My premise is simple. Students are people, and people do not choose failure. Regardless, failure is thrust upon those with no better alternative.
I believe that the school must fit the child -- not the other way around. Meeting each child on their own terms and letting go of all of this prodding, poking, and controlling atmosphere of rewards and punishments should be the goal. Think -- did you choose failure as a child?
Asking our students "What do you WANT to learn?" would be a start. The rest will take care of itself.
-- Derek Luke
Iliamna
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