Scrap discovery math and inquiry-based learning in our classrooms and restore proven methods of teaching. Enz.

 In Vlaanderen opteren ZILL-leerplankopstukken, VLOR-advies over eindtermen, prof. Kris Van den Branden en vele anderen voor perspectiefwisseling in de richting van nefaste ontwikkelend, ontdekkend … leren. 

Passages uit bijdrage Ontario Education Reform: Can the “Ford Nation” Agenda be Transformed into Sound Policy? June 10, 2018 by prof. Paul W. Bennett 

The overall Ontario PC education philosophy rests on a complete rejection of the Wynne Liberal Toronto-centric vision and education guru driven brand of “identity politics” in education. Ontario Liberal Education policy, driven by edu-gurus such as Michael Fullan and Andy Hargreaves and championed by People for Education was out-of-sync with not only public opinion but education research gaining credence though the emergence of researchED in Canada. “

At one time, Ontario schools focused on teaching the skills that matter: reading, writing and math. This approach helped to prepare our kids for the challenges of work and life. Today, however, more and more of our schools have been turned into social laboratories and our kids into test subjects for whatever special interests and so-called experts that have captured Kathleen Wynne’s ear.” 

Premier-elect Ford’s campaign captured well the groundswell of public dissent over top-down decision-making and the tendency to favour “inclusion” in theory but not in practice.

 It was expressed in this no-nonsense fashion: “By ignoring parents and focusing on narrow agendas or force-feeding our kids experimental curricula like ‘Discovery Math’ the Liberals are leaving our children woefully unprepared to compete with other students from across Canada and around the world. And instead of helping our kids pass their tests, the NDP want to cancel the tests altogether.” The Ford Nation plan for education appealed to the “little guy” completely fed-up with the 15-year legacy of “progressive education” and its failure to deliver more literate, numerate, capable, and resilient students. Education reform was about ‘undoing the damage’ and getting back on track: “It’s time to get back to basics, respect parents, and work with our teachers to ensure our kids have the skills they need to succeed.” 

The specific Ontario PC policy commitments in its 8-point-plan were: Scrap discovery math and inquiry-based learning in our classrooms and restore proven methods of teaching. Ban cell phones in all primary and secondary school classrooms, in order to maximize learning time. Make mathematics mandatory in teachers’ college programs. Enz. Most of the Ford Nation proposals are not only sensible, but defensible on the basis of recent education research. Ontario Liberal Education policy, driven by edu-gurus such as Michael Fullan and Andy Hargreaves and championed by People for Education was out-of-sync with not only public opinion but education research gaining credence though the emergence of researchED in Canada.