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Constraints that Inhibit Innovation
Posted by sjtaffee on April 21, 2009
In a previous post, I wrote about the agrarian school year, and how it serves as an artificial constraint to school innovation in general, and time for professional development, curriculum writing, and project-based learning in particular. But the school year is just one of several constraints that should be examined – and I suspect eliminated entirely – if schools are going to truly become 21st century learning and teaching institutions. Here are eight other constraints that need to be examined.
- Academic departments.
- Grading and assessment systems.
- Grade levels.
- AP courses.
- Teacher-proof curricula.
- One-size-fits-all school models.
- Teacher education programs, teacher licensure departments, and teacher unions.
- Current school architectural models.
- Textbooks and textbook publishers.
Over the next few weeks I will write more about each of these items and my take on how each of them constrains the true innovation required to become a 21st century school. I hope that you will engage in the discussion.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
You have compiled a great list that really gets at the core of what will be required for true education reform. I look forward to hearing about your recommendations.
I proposed a potential model for learning that would help address some of these constraints.
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog, keep up the great work.
http://www.davidbill.org/2009/05/03/a-model-for-learning/
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