There is a lot of emphasis in schools today to increase student performance. I think in this environment, it is important to keep in mind what educators are already doing well with the students. Then, dispense with those tactics that are not working and keep those that are.
There is a lot of pressure to raise student achievement in our public schools today. I advise stepping back and taking stock in what we do that is right for kids. Eliminate the non-essential and focus on the essential.
In evaluating the success of an educational program, our first inclination is to use our past experiences as a basis. Even better is to assess how successful our children are as a measuring tool. It is every parents dream that their children will grow to be successful adults, and we hope their school education will help with the preparation. For this to work, schools must operate in the world of the 21st Century.