ould O ff er
one-size-fits-all or teach-to-the-
middle approach, expecting all
students to do the same activity,
work at the same pace, do the
same homework, and take the
same test, hurts a significant
portion
of
our
students,
especially when students lack the
prerequisite skills. In addition,
personalization better serves the
best and brightest students in our
classrooms. Technology must be
an ally for modern educators in
classroom instruction.
A degree in education should
never be the basis for deliberating
public education or offering
an opinion. However, common
sense must prevail. Too many
critics of public education are
focusing on the wrong things,
using faulty information, or do
not have complete information.
More importantly, many critics
are treading into areas in which
they know little to nothing about,
except by hearsay. This is
dangerous.
on their readiness levels and student ability,
which simply expands direct instruction to
a more flexible and personalized approach
to content delivery. All instruction, including
differentiated instruction, must be structured,
sequenced, and led by teachers “directing”
the instructional process.
A broader student-centered strategy built
around personalization should increase
the learning growth of all students. The
That does not mean that public
education is free from faults,
or should not continue to transform and
change. We must avoid the condition
described by Alexander Pope about being
“too vain to mend.” All citizens should root
for the success of public education if for no
other reason than 90% of the children in
our nation are educated by public schools.
We want our children to succeed and our
economy to flourish in this changing world.
That message would make for much better
headlines.