Try this interesting and thought-provoking exercise.
First, define success. Take your time.
Now, look up the word "solipsism" in the dictionary.
Next, see if you can put forward a clear vision of what constitutes an educated person.
Think deeply and candidly about this, then share your thoughts.
I'm sure people's answers will vary, and that's what makes this world go 'round.
When my toilet's clogged, a plumber is the smartest person I know. Remember when we celebrated diversity? Why do we now insist on educational sameness?
It's so reassuring to hear 9-R superintendent Keith Owen say that after months of strategic planning, the district has compiled a valuable roadmap that's "in line with what President Obama and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (The Cure for Hope) want to see:" rigorous assessments linked to international standards incorporating 21st century skills with a high level of data-driven decision-making.
Wow.
What a remarkable coincidence.
This isn't new. These aren't progressive ideas. It's the same tired rhetoric that has been emanating from "educational reformers" for the last 10 to 15 years.
Whenever we need a revolution, we get a new curriculum. I have yet to be convinced the huge stockpiles of numbers schools are amassing in the name of science and standards add up to something that benefits children.
When someone suggests all children will be able to perform at a certain level, all children will succeed, all students will be proficient, or no child will be left behind, they are contributing to unhelpful, silly talk about education.
Despite our relatively heavy investment in education as a nation, we still do not seem to realize that teaching does not consider the students' priorities as useless.
Not everybody wants to be an astronaut when they grow up.
Think about this truism: Students perform poorly when they're asked to do the wrong things.
Mark Twain said, "I'm not sure if the world is run by really smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it."
I'm not sure either.
Bill Bowlby, Durango
