Week+2

=Here are some discussion starters for chapter 2. If there are other burning issues, feel free to start those in the discussion area.=


 * Announcement: Staff, I have really impressed with the level of conversations going on in these discussions. The administrators have been chiming in periodically from time to time and are also impressed with the dialogues. Although I was going to stay out of the discussions I have also entered into a couple of threads. If I do, don't hold back with your input. My ideas are simply that, and I may challenge you as I would expect you to challenge me. I only ask we all treat it with respect and professionalism.**

Wagner describes the global achievement gap as “what our more academically able students are being taught versus what they will need to succeed in today's world.” Many educators have come to understand the need for increased rigor for our students. However, Wagner describes the observations of Advanced Placement classrooms where student learning is geared to standardized tests and low-level memorization. W agner pushes us to rethink what true classroom rigor would look like.