Legislation Hesitation

Currently, the government here in Michigan is rethinking or slowing down on two important pieces in the education world -- the Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards.  Yesterday, I spent the day at the Kellogg Center for an "introduction" to the NGSS -- originally supposed to be the roll-out until Michigan put on the brakes.

All politics aside, like many of the attendees, I was frustrated by our lack of not knowing what the state will do.  However, one of the speakers yesterday really challenged me to think of it in a bigger way.  In essence, her message was that regardless of the action taken by the state, teachers should always strive to use best practices.  Thus, if the research behind the NGSS shows that this is the best way to teach science K-12, we should use it notwithstanding state decisions.

That makes perfect sense to me.  I flipped my classroom without any mandate from the state or my district because I knew it was best for kids.  Another teachers I know is "resuscitating" her high school students' lost love for reading by taking them to the media center and - gasp - letting them choose any book to read.  No tests, no quizzes, just a letter to the teacher as to the student's thoughts as they wend their way through the book.  Early results?  KIDS LOVE IT and are looking forward to reading each day!

When we do what's best for kids, we will always make the right decision, regardless of what decisions are being made on our state or national level.  Research shows us that when we actively engage kids in learning, based on the right balance of rigor, relevance, and relationships, they will soar.  Don't be paralyzed by "legislation hesitation" -- be proactive..

J Walton