“D-Ed Reckoning” eviscerates progressive education
Thursday, July 17, 2008Written by: Alan Gottlieb
I don’t always agree with the D-Ed Reckoning blog, but I love reading it. For an example of why anyone interested in school reform should visit this blog regularly, read this merciless dissection of a progressive education school project’s shortcomings. Terrible truth-telling. It will make you wince. (And I’m someone who was "progressively educated" and who appreciates much about progressive education).
July 17th, 2008 at 9:08 am
I’d argue that the project that he attacked was anything but egregious excess. A) He assumes that the project is the only assessment of the material done. B) His analysis of what was missing suggests his own bias toward what he feels is important to learn about that material. C) The level of analysis he suggests is warranted is collegiate in its complexity when this was a 9th grade piece of writing. D) He and I have a fundamental disagreement over the value of skills v. content in student understanding.
Ken doesn’t like progressive education. That’s fine. He doesn’t have to send his kid to SLA. But to call that unit plan and that student work “egregious” is irresponsible.
– Chris Lehmann
– Principal
– Science Leadership Academy
July 17th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Chris,
Fair enough. Careless word choice, especially considering I have no first-hand knowledge of your school. The beauty of a blog is I can go back and change wording, which I will now do.
July 17th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Thanks… I appreciate it. I’d still argue that whether or not his post represents truth-telling depends on where you sit on the philosophical spectrum. It’s certainly a visceral attack… and Ken is an excellent writer, but whether or not it represents truth-telling is probably a matter of perspective. I’d argue that both the assignment and the student work itself stand up as excellent examples of the kind of work students and teachers do at SLA.
July 21st, 2008 at 11:56 am
Why not post (or link to) both the assignment and the student work (make it anonymous)? Sunlight, disinfectant, etc etc.
July 21st, 2008 at 7:53 pm
“I’d argue that both the assignment and the student work itself stand up as excellent examples of the kind of work students and teachers do at SLA.”
I would assume that the examples you put in your handbook are the best examples. The fact that he was able to criticize your chose examples, speaks to what we could expect if we could read all examples.
Would you consider publishing all projects online?
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:25 am
I’ve been following the D-Ed Reckoning criticisms and have wondered why more educators who are committed to and practice inquiry-driven learning haven’t entered the debate. For those who want to see evidence of learning through exhibition, check out the website of the Coalition of Essential Schools… here’s some video:
http://snipurl.com/ces_exhibit_txvideo [www_essentialschools_org]