One of the most fascinating things I have seen in my years as a secondary educator is how teachers, students, parents, and school leaders focus on preparing students for college. Let’s slow down for a second here. The focus being on college… Not learning… not being successful after school… not innovation… not developing you as a human being… not developing you as an independent and metacognitive learner… but college.
ALL secondary educators should take a few minutes and consider the question: how much of my job is teaching students for college versus actually allowing them to learn? As a high school teacher of mathematics, I know that my job is predominantly preparing students for college entrance and undergraduate math courses- and not much else.
When I say ‘college’, that includes AP exams- something that many school teachers pride themselves on. Was the focus learning, or getting a college credit? I know these ideas may seem similar in your mind, but unfortunately, they are not.
Learning is not standardized. It is not cookie-cutter. It is not scripted. It is not simply following instructions. It is not a predetermined curriculum designed 50 years ago. It is not a timed standardized assessment. Learning requires authenticity. Learning is hands-on. Learning is student-driven. Learning is application. Learning is real experiences. Learning… is not the same as preparing for college.
I am asking secondary teachers to truly step away from what they have been assuming as a given for decades and ask the question: is my job helping students learn or prepare for college?
Learning V. School 