Myth #3: Rigor is Not for
Everyone
Some teachers think the only way to assure success for
everyone is to lower standards and lessen rigor. This may mask a hidden belief
that some students can’t really learn at high levels. You may have heard of the Pygmalion Effect--students
live up to or down to our expectations of them.
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I was recently working with a school where they had
one solution for increasing rigor—put all students in advanced classes. That may be an option, but I’m not convinced
that is the best way to increase rigor.
First, not all students are ready for an advanced class without extra
support. Second, that choice sends the
message that the only teachers capable of rigorous instruction are those who teach
advanced students. I know from my own
experience as a teacher of struggling students reading far below their grade
level that any teacher can be rigorous, and any student can reach higher levels
with the right support.
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