There have been many indications that learning design is beginning to take stronger roots in the community I work in. Today the integration of technology and pedagogy was introduced at our staff meeting. Also I've received a few emails recently about learning design related to specific curriculum units and topics. A colleague received a respectful endorsement related to a new idea, and we've moved to a standards-based report card which focuses our efforts and assessments more specifically. All of these efforts are setting the stage for more supported, detailed, differentiated, focused work. This is a step in the right direction.
As we move in this direction, I hope that we will also think carefully about what teachers need to do this job well. Recently, I noted a positive effort led by our ELA curriculum director related to writing. Overall it was an inclusive, respectful effort that promoted discussion, collaborative learning, and effective teaching. Our RTI efforts are also becoming more student-focused as we design, plan for, and discuss curriculum efforts to teach children well. These are examples of collaborative efforts that are promoting good work. I hope that we can continue to build efforts like these as well as greater communication, effective idea share, and proactive debate aimed at building effective, inclusive learning communities.
The road is rocky as we navigate multiple initiatives, new tools, and teaching/learning strategies. The signs around me today make me hopeful that rich discussions and thoughtful, inclusive, collaborative work will gain the support it requires in order to teach children well. I'm hopeful that new initiatives will also regard teachers' voices and choices with respect and response as we move forward to teach well.
As more and more educators begin to embrace new pedagogy, tools, and strategies, there's a temptation to turn a cold shoulder and think, "Why has it taken so long?" But, if we truly are putting children first, we need to put aside the frustrations from the past and welcome all to the potential and promise education innovation and apt learning design holds for teaching children well.
