Teachers, how does your school increase academic rigor?

This is something our high school is struggling with and I wanted to hear some of your thoughts!

Re: Teachers, how does your school increase academic rigor?

Our got rid of tracking but dumbied down the curriculum and implemented the an honors by achievement program.

This is the first year and there are so many problems with it already.

Re: Teachers, how does your school increase academic rigor?

Posted by Jamie

Our got rid of tracking but dumbied down the curriculum and implemented the an honors by achievement program.

This is the first year and there are so many problems with it already.

Re: Teachers, how does your school increase academic rigor?

We're struggling with it too.

None of the higher-ups in my region are able to even give a decent definition of it. Also, there have been instances where teachers are trying to really challenge the kids, but then the higher-ups say it's TOO hard.

Re: Teachers, how does your school increase academic rigor?

Posted by MrsProfessor

We're struggling with it too.

None of the higher-ups in my region are able to even give a decent definition of it. Also, there have been instances where teachers are trying to really challenge the kids, but then the higher-ups say it's TOO hard.

Re: Teachers, how does your school increase academic rigor?

Posted by BobBsWife

Posted by MrsProfessor

We're struggling with it too.

None of the higher-ups in my region are able to even give a decent definition of it. Also, there have been instances where teachers are trying to really challenge the kids, but then the higher-ups say it's TOO hard.

We (the teachers) get in trouble if we challenge the kids.

Re: Teachers, how does your school increase academic rigor?

"academic rigor mortis."

My school just wants us to pass them along. Especailly the students with the screaming parents. Everyone of my parents does nothing to ensure that their child is doing the work but when the failing grade comes in the report card they scream to admin. and behold their students pass and I get in trouble!

Re: Teachers, how does your school increase academic rigor?

Well, besides keeping the teachers in the know about EVERYTHING, and having weekly meetings to discuss everything from curriculum to how children learn best, we try to tailor our programs to each child. However, we are a private school with anywhere frome 4-16 kids in a class, so this is a lot easier for us to do. We also have enrichment programs from K-8th grade that are designed to motivate students to take on academic challenges. We have very high academic standards to begin with and we HELP the children succeed with individualized instruction in the classroom.

Re: Teachers, how does your school increase academic rigor?

Here's my kicker for you all. I teach 2 'gifted' classes and 3 regular classes. Please take note of the '' around gifted I had a child in my class that his highest grade in elementary school was a C, most were D's and they put him in my 'gifted' class. So I called Mom and said I don't think he is handling the 'rigor' of this class and I feel it would be to his benefit to move him to the regents class. Her reaction was thank god someone finally noticed ( I was thinking OK why didn't you say something when you saw this on his schedule in August but OK whatever ) So we contact the guidance counselor who was like what was he doing in there. So we start the paperwork to move him and do you know administration DENIED IT! They didn't want him moved down. They said we should foster him and turn him into an A student. UM OK I agree but not in a 'gifted' program. Where I have to do 2 years of curriculum in 1 year. It took the parent finally calling up and SCREAMING to get him out. I was like are you kidding this kid is getting 30's on the ALPHABET! He doesn't belong in there and you are going to deny it. Their response was that every child should have the opportunity to become an AP student. I am sorry but not every child is going to be an AP student! I NEVER was and I still have a masters degree and above. Give me a freaking break. There is nothing wrong with someone learning a trade either!

OK my vent over, as I am leaving the warmth of my house on my day off to go tutor a former student of mine an hour away from my house, thanks to this wonderful rigor and relevance crap!

I just think they would be better students if they had the opportunity to be kids again with out the pressures of all these damn state tests barking over their heads.

Re: Teachers, how does your school increase academic rigor?

Well said Jamie!

Re: Teachers, how does your school increase academic rigor?