Why can't we have it both ways? Teaching skills that check the boxes, AND lesson plans that develop a love of literature? Does it have to be a binary thing? Aren't teachers like A. doing just that? Maybe the exception rather than the rule? Anyway, great piece. I hope this was therapeutic for you! And bring a fire extinguisher with you if you have to rush back into the fire.
Thanks for your comment! It did help to vent. :) You're right, publishers and teachers shouldn't have to make a binary choice. The real culprit is high-stakes testing and the overwhelming pressure it places on schools to "teach to the test." Teachers like A. do their best, but they risk reprimand for straying even slightly from the rigid objectives. They have so little choice in what or how they teach. Those of us developing textbook content do our best, too, but we're basically stitching together Franken-lessons.
I get it, and agree with your point. I taught one semester as an adjunct at Babson College and inherited another Professors curriculum. The best lessons I had, and the best learning moments, were always centered around something not on the checklist. BTW, loved your line, "But I’m afraid the tyranny of these dictates will be the death of the humanities."
Why can't we have it both ways? Teaching skills that check the boxes, AND lesson plans that develop a love of literature? Does it have to be a binary thing? Aren't teachers like A. doing just that? Maybe the exception rather than the rule? Anyway, great piece. I hope this was therapeutic for you! And bring a fire extinguisher with you if you have to rush back into the fire.
Thanks for your comment! It did help to vent. :) You're right, publishers and teachers shouldn't have to make a binary choice. The real culprit is high-stakes testing and the overwhelming pressure it places on schools to "teach to the test." Teachers like A. do their best, but they risk reprimand for straying even slightly from the rigid objectives. They have so little choice in what or how they teach. Those of us developing textbook content do our best, too, but we're basically stitching together Franken-lessons.
I get it, and agree with your point. I taught one semester as an adjunct at Babson College and inherited another Professors curriculum. The best lessons I had, and the best learning moments, were always centered around something not on the checklist. BTW, loved your line, "But I’m afraid the tyranny of these dictates will be the death of the humanities."
I'm glad you had the chance to teach those "not on the checklist" lessons! And thanks...I worried that line was a little harsh, but I do fear that.