My reaction to reading about iNACOL's New Learning Models Vision is one of optimistic skepticism. My philosophy of education is in direct agreement with the theory on which this vision is based. When we, as educators, draw upon our students' individual and collective experiences, students become more active learners, capable of finding success in all traditional subject matters. John Dewey guides us with the idea that we must, "abandon the notion of subject-matter as something fixed and ready-made in itself, outside the child's experience... It is continuous reconstruction, moving from the child's present experience out into that represented by the organized bodies of truth that we call studies," (The Child and the Curriculum, 1902).
The skeptical part of me questions the buy-in needed by both administrators, Boards of Education and teachers, as well as the perceived costs and underlying motives of the vision. Will teachers just assume this is 'one more thing' they need to master? Some of the Technology platforms in the 'T' part of 'TPAC' seem expensive and harken a moneymaker for some educational corporation out there. Clearly the computing and online content and courses are critical for our 21st century learners; will a company hit the jackpot when they design learning management systems, enterprise architecture, broadband infrastructure and new models, similar to what Pearson has done through the implementation of Common Core Standards and SBAC testing?
Another bit of skepticism that crept to the forefront while reading about the New Learning Models was related to some of the vocabulary (adjectives, specifically) chosen. Some of it seemed very nebulous and subjective. How does iNACOL define 'valid' and 'reliable' with regard to assessments in the Result in Higher Student Achievement design principal? What do 'frequent' and 'varying forms' of assessments mean? With regard to Flexible Staffing Models design principle, who defines the 'common' understanding of proficiency? What does 'adequate support' look like?
There are many ways to implement the New Learning Models that iNACOL puts forth. Student centered, personalized learning is a win-win for educators, districts, students, and families alike. Performance-based assessments like ePortfolios and Project/Inquiry Based Learning are grounded in research and practical application. And the equity and access that this model affords students is excellent and universal. The advantages of iNACOL's New Learning Models, in my opinion, would outweigh any of the challenges or limitations posed.