You’ll All Look Good on Page 39 (or else!)

Comparing buying a one-size outfit for all customers to a one-size-fits-all scripted curriculum for all students, this case examines how an experienced teacher and a new principal struggle with risks associated with providing creative, individualized instruction. The key issues are how a community can address the new demands toward standardization and how to keep teachers with excellent track records in low-performing schools in urban districts so that all
students can achieve.

Discussion Questions

1. What changes to NCLB would address the dilemma Eliza and John face?
2. What are the messages and assumptions about learning that NCLB sends the education community, the policymakers, and the taxpayers?
3. What are ways the community can be energized to address the tensions the school board, the school administration, and the teachers face?
4. How can well-prepared, experienced teachers be recruited to low-performing schools in urban districts?