A few weeks ago, 60 Minutes had a piece on how successful a chain of charter schools were. I found it interesting that the schools were using methods of teaching that I used when I first began teaching in the 1990s. Back then many teachers were using project-based learning. I was able to a theme- connecting reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies and the students researched a project of their own choosing. I would guide the students through the research-some needing more guidance than others.
Unfortunately, due to state and federal mandates, I am no longer give the freedom. I must teach prescribed lessons within a given time frame with fidelity to the text. I am reminded of a scene from The Godfather. One of Michael's (The Godfather) is asking him to have more freedom to protect his territory. "I am not asking for anything, just take off the handcuffs." I am asking for the state to take off the handcuffs and I will be more successful than these charter schools. All schools should have to play be the same rules.
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