Rock the Boat

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Home : 2002 : February : 20

Rock the Boat
By Debbie

Hi ddd,
I think you already know what I'm going to say...YOU GO GIRL! What your school is currently promoting is TRACKING, which was fine for an industrial society, but in no way mirrors the type of thinking and learning
your children will need to be active participants in a technological society. (Go to the ASCD website and see what's archived on the work of Larry Lezotte, among others. I can find you other respected researchers and their works as well.) Julie's idea to be up front and honest with your colleagues is great, these people are your friends and you might also be surprised that some might

take you up on changing some things as well. Invite them to do an informal book study with you. And do remember that change is a process and not an event, take it slowly.
We always begin the year with a parent meeting to explain why our classroom and teaching is different. Then it's up to the parents to request whether or not they want to take a chance. Personally, I find it's so much better to let parents decide up front, rather than continually putting out fires as you go. And of course there will be as large a contingent who will want nothing to do with something different, and that's fine too...at least you're not having to deal with it all year. You'll also need to send home lots of newsletters, etc, explaining what and why you're doing things in a differentiated way. This will only be for the first few years, then it will be a word of mouth trust issue. Can't wait to hear about your successes! ;-D