Student Engagement

When I was in the classroom twenty years ago, a movement began towards student engagement to ensure that every learner can access grade-level content.  However, this key pillar of Universal Design for Learning has begun to be distorted by some in the educational community so as to not relate to interests and passions, but to focus on them.  Rather than building connections from student interests and passions to standards-based academic content, some encourage instruction themed on our students' everyday lives.  While interests and passions are essential to access prior knowledge, make connections, and foster collaboration, they miss the mark as the basis for rich learning experiences.  As we defend and promote quality instructional practices, let us be aware that "relevant" topics for project-based learning (such as brand preferences or the lifestyle of professional athletes) really just isolate students in the bubble of their interests rather than helping them connect as conscientious citizens through our robust standards.  The potential to foster rich learning experiences through student engagement abounds, but may we be cautious not to neglect the content in an effort to teach the skills.  There are so many fascinating topics that our students are supposed to learn, all of them truly relevant - it is possible to offer learner agency without diluting the standards.  I hope our district is willing to resist the pressure to trivialize academic learning and instead continue to refine and celebrate rich learning experiences rooted in the content standards.