Assignments Matter

The North leadership team just finished reading, Assignments Matter-Making the connections that help students meet standards, by Eleanor Dougherty. I believe it is true that students can do no better than the assignments they are given. Quality assignments are the hallmark of effective instruction. How can we get our students to achieve to new levels? One way is through the PLC challenge!

We know that effective teaching sets high expectations. How do your assignments become the centerpieces for demanding and interesting learning experiences? Dougherty says the must-have features of an assignment include: a prompt, a product, and a rubric. Do your assignments pass this test?

In order to raise student achievement, we must raise our expectations. Dougherty says, "If you believe in equality of instruction, you will be tenacious in finding instructional practices and supports to ensure students engage in rigorous assignments that prepare them to participate in and contribute to a society that values ideas, literacy, and critical thinking." Keep pushing our students to take responsibility for their own learning as often as appropriate.

Teaching assignments that connect students to the world outside of school is one of our best weapons against the apathy and boredom many students feel when they are confined to a classroom, where learning may seem irrelevant and tiresome. Work together to meaningfully connect learning for students. The payoff for you as the teacher will be very rewarding and your students are apt to feel more inspired as learners.