We have a history in our country, and in education in general, to have the pendulum swing on how we believe children should be taught, the material they should be taught, and how it should be done in the classroom. As an educator of over 20 years, Dr. Bonjorni has seen the pendulum swing back and forth many times.
With the introduction of common core some of the questions and concerns that have come up are that parents are unable to engage with their children in the same way. Part of the learning process is parent involvement. Parents need to be a partner and a relevant participant in their child’s educational journey. Common core in itself doesn’t allow the parent to be involved. It ostracizes the parent from involvement. Children are not common. There is not a one size fits all for kids.
By introducing the language “common core” what we really want to say is, yes, we want every child to be a success, to learn all they need to. But, how can we do that in a way that adjusts to everyone? How can we do that in a way that fits everyone? Certainly not with a “common” curriculum. We need to be buried in our approach and instruction, we need to meet children where they are, and bring them to the level where they can reach their full potential.
