Helping teachers improve student learning 1 The New 3R’s: Rigor, Relevance and Relationships Superintendent’s Council January 10, 2007 Jim Barrett

Helping teachers improve student learning 2 “Change Leadership” A practical Guide to Transforming our Schools. Tony Wagner Robert Kegan Lisa Lahey Richard W. Lemmons Jude Garnier Deborah Helsing Annie Howell Harriette Thurber Rasmussen Harvard School of Education

Helping teachers improve student learning 3 New 3 R’s of Education Rigor Relevance Respectful Relationships

Helping teachers improve student learning 4 Rigor Is not about more and harder homework. Is about knowing what to expect a student to be able to do as a result of a lesson Is not about memorizing the 92 chemical elements Is about knowing the Scientific Method and how to apply it.

Helping teachers improve student learning 5 Rigor Is not about memorizing important dates in history Is about the student’s ability to compare and contrast conflicting accounts of a historical event

Helping teachers improve student learning 6 Relevance The curriculum must be connected to the student’s real world. –How math helps solve real world problems. –How science is used in the workplace. –The opportunity to pursue personal interests. –Essential for students to understand the purpose of learning to achieve Rigor.

Helping teachers improve student learning 7 Respectful Relationships Guy Doud, 1986 National Teacher of the Year “I don’t remember what I learned in 6 th grade, but I remember how what I learned made me feel.” The most important element in motivating students is establishing strong positive relationships with them.

Helping teachers improve student learning 8 Respectful Relationships Teachers must care about student learning. Teachers must be challenging and competent. Teachers must treat students as individuals. Teachers must know about student’s personal backgrounds.

Helping teachers improve student learning 9 Respectful Relationships It is no surprise that Teachers want to do, be and know, what students want.

Helping teachers improve student learning 10 SWPRSC… Helping districts improve student learning!