Fourth in a series
Re “LaRose’s Question No. 2: ‘How Will We Know if They Know?’”
[img]1456|right|Mr. Dave LaRose||no_popup[/img]One of the defining characteristics of the new Common Core curriculum is commonality, students of a classroom coming along at a similar pace – no time or room for individualized learning for those who lean toward the rear of the parade.
In the midst of citing four questions characterizing the new school term, School District Supt. Dave LaRose was asked how teachers should deal with individual differences, students who are slower but also those who are faster?
“We want to celebrate that,” he said. “Part of it is, that is where the art of teaching comes in. When we start looking at certain parts that are measurable and essential and fundamental, there is an element that’s the science of teaching.
“But we want to embrace the gifts and the talents that each individual teacher brings.
“In terms of being consistent and insistent, that’s about the learning,” Mr. LaRose said. “The methodology, we want to make sure that we are providing support and celebrating our best practice. But we also want to tap into the nuances and the creativity of teaching that takes place.
“Question Two,” says the superintendent, “is really about assessment. What you assess is what gets done. Also, if we say this is essential, we better be measuring that to determine that students have mastered that essential skill – which brings us to Question Three.”
(To be continued)
