There seems to be a desire in education to solve problems with simple, one-size-fits-all answers. This desire is in contrast to our diverse student populations--students who represent multiple cultures, learning styles, interests, and needs.
Often simple answers come from those who spend less time with children, people removed from the day-to-day, time-on-task with students--the kind of time that exemplifies students' needs for differentiated, personal response to learning needs.
Specifically we have to be wary of one-size-fits-all consequences as student discipline issues that might present similarly may arise from a large variety of reasons or intents. To care for children well, we have to look underneath the act to unearth understanding, and provide the most logical consequence--the kind of consequence that educates a child about behaviors that lead to a stronger, happier, better self and community.
Also, when we think about tech devices, we have to be careful that we're not prescribing one-size-fits-all, and that we leave room for multiple devices to service the myriad of needs, interests, skills, and desires students present. I am a fan of a varied palette of tech devices in schools including a combination of school-provided tools and BYOD.
Further, when it comes to lessons, we don't want to present all our lessons in the same ways, or expect the same results from each child. Instead we want to design learning experiences with multiple entry and exit points to meet the many needs, interests, and progressions our students present. This doesn't mean we lower expectations, but instead it means we vary expectations dependent on individual student's needs and interests.
The same is true for professional educators. To expect all educators to be the same is to dull the potential the learning environment holds. Instead organizations should look for ways to offer similar programs for each child while also maximizing the talents, experience, and skills each professional brings to the organization. To do this well demands that school communities make the time to talk about the important issues at hand with all professionals involved.
One-size-fits-all brings a soldier, robot mindset to schools whereas differentiated, personalized approaches bring a colorful, dignified artistry to education--design that acknowledges individuals, and works to bring out the best in everyone.
