Inspiring Creativity: Think Outside the Bowl
With the resurgence of testing nationwide, many teachers report that they have to “cover the curriculum” rather than “uncover the curriculum.” With the Common Core Curriculum, parents express feeling exhausted from helping their children with increased homework to meet test expectations. Teachers are pushing to cover as much of the content necessary for their students to pass the state-level exams, sometimes given only 70% into the school year.
So, it is not surprising that teachers see a change in their own teaching, moving away from more discovery learning and project-based learning and towards coverage and drill. Teachers state that they no longer have the time to do all that “fun stuff,” and aren’t happy giving up many of the projects they love to offer.
And yet, many states adopted Charlotte Danielson’s Framework. Her rubric encouraged student discussion and ownership of their work. The rubric encouraged higher-level question-posing and negotiating of rubrics and assessments. As both these philosophies play out simultaneously, we will undoubtedly see a modification of expectations in the future.
Take action NOW!
As many of you know, I run Gtec Kids, an organization that offers professional development for all classroom types. Not only do we lobby for the rights of academically gifted children, but we advocate for those creative kids who are academically average. We encourage teachers and schools to provide environments that encourage creative talent in all children. We push for discovery learning, problem solving, discussions, the performing/ visual arts, and the creative process where students have a voice in their own learning.
Sometimes, taking action can be as simple as posting an image that will remind us of our mission as parents and as teachers. That image can be as simple as a window decal for a whiteboard or for the rearview window of a car. The image can be a sticker placed on a notebook. So, join me in spreading the word: Inspiring Creativity to Think Outside the Bowl:
Be a part of the Inspiring Creativity in All Children movement.
G·tec Kids, 52 Brookridge Road, New Rochelle, NY 10804
Andi Stix is an educational consultant & coach who specializes in differentiation, interactive learning, writing across the curriculum, classroom coaching, and gifted education. For further information on her specialties or social media, please email her on the Contact page.
