Innovation Starts With Having Autonomy

My lastest Huffington Post, post: Innovation Starts With Having Autonomy published today. John Thompson left a comment there that reminded me of a quote I’ve used in the past. It is from Renee Moore’s blog where she quotes David B. Cohen, who teaches at the upscale Palo Alto High School in CA :

“What I wish people would realize is that “good” schools with high test scores don’t think of their instruction as some kind of reward for the test scores. They don’t focus on basic skills and then suddenly reach a point where they…develop deeper knowledge, enrich learning, engage students’ interests, etc. It’s not basics and then enrichment. The basics can be addressed more covertly, more authentically, and more effectively, when those skills are developed in a meaningful and motivational context. That type of environment shouldn’t be the exception, the unearned privilege of the children of privileged parents, and those lucky enough to attend schools that test well. That type of education is the birthright of every child.”

Learning is messy!

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4 thoughts on “Innovation Starts With Having Autonomy

  1. Hey my name is Christy Hayes and I am a student in Dr. Strange’s EDM310 class at the University of South Alabama. This quote is so true. It is every child’s birthright to have the best education possible not just the children of well to do families. These children deserve every type of special treatment as do the kids that come from poverty stricken areas. I feel the best way to get children to learn is to not really make them feel like they are learning so that they are enjoying what they are doing. I will copy this quote and have it posted somewhere in my classroom whenever I get my own classroom after i graduate. Thanks!!

  2. Have we crossed the point of no return where we will no longer see classrooms based on good teaching (and not test taking) disappear? I worry!

  3. I definately agree with this quote as well. Based on this topic “Learning is Messy,” in my opinion I believe that responsiblity plays a major role in dealing with the learning process. Organization is also another role that deals with learning process. Without these two concepts learning would be difficult to understand. For instance: a irresponsible person would not be organize and have everything scattered everywhere. Basically, many people use their learning technique in different ways.