What Our Students Need

Here is the sad truth:  some students are being left behind. We are expecting all students to do the exact same assignment. We expect each student to read the same text. They are expected to show mastery all in the exact same way. We are forgetting to back up and look at what the standard is asking, and then determine how each student can show mastery of the standard being assessed. High School teachers, as expected, get concerned about the grade, and what that means for all students: fair being fair. 

When it comes to the lives of each and every one of our students, I believe it is time for us to stop trying to achieve FAIR, (Remember--Fair is not about everyone receiving the same---but rather everyone receiving what they NEED!)  and realize that if our students can demonstrate mastery, then they can move on to the next standard. Instead of getting F's in classes and losing motivation, they can continue on, feeling successful and could maybe be ACTUALLY LEARNING!  

Can we PLEASE stop referring to them as "those kids" or "your kids" (receiving some sort of service: SpEd or EL services). If these students are part of our school community---then they are ALL OUR KIDS! It's time for a dramatic shift. It's time to look at how we have been "doing school" for all these years, and it's time to ask: WHAT DO ALL OF OUR STUDENT'S NEED??

THIS is what drives us in our work!! We are ready for the challenge!