Monday, October 29, 2012
"Focus" ~ Chapter 2: What We Teach
So let me start by saying that I am enjoying this book because I do agree with the fact that it seems like education has been overtaken with loads of new programs, assessments, curriculum, techniques, strategies etc. etc... and it often times feels like we don't give something enough time to really prove it works or doesn't work. In addition, I also agree with Schmoker's top 3 elements to a "reasonably good" education: 1. What we teach 2. How we teach and 3. Authentic Literacy (pg. 10). However, I guess he makes me a little nervous when he talks about reducing standards and that "no one could meaningfully teach more than half of them" as he referred to his 7th grade History standards (pg. 47). I know looking through standards can sometimes feel overwhelming, but I know they each have been put in place for specific reasons; therefore, as I read through this chapter it just made me start thinking about Common Core and evaluating what I think are the "essential standards" in first grade.
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Isn't it ironic though that the "new idea" here is to go back to the "old ways" of reading, writing and 'rithmatic? I loved the little house books and was always amazed at the brief glimpses into their educational system. It all makes sense to me now, but knowing the basics allows for the advanced. But you HAVE to have the basics.
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