OTT 167: 5 Detrimental Reasons Why Lesson Plans Should NOT Be Required a Year in Advance

A bill was proposed in Indiana - posting lesson plans a year in advance. This bill was created out of fear and scarcity. Here are my main points about this insane proposal;

1. The Bill is too Rigid: does not allow for flexibility and response to students' needs in your class.
2. It shows an outrageous expectation of our teachers: Would we ask any other professional to do this even with marketing plans and health management plans? The depth of specificity is asking too much. If they wanted a general outline, that might be different.
3. It's Repetitive: Curriculum maps created by School Districts already exist. They give a broad view and big picture idea. LP is narrowed in and focused down to the minute in a classroom.
4. This bill shows a distrust of the professionals who live out the plan- micromanaging, lack of respect,
5. Is this just busywork? Who the hell is really going to look at this?
6. Who are the intended readers of this bill? This concept is not healthy or sustainable. A basic outline of the lesson plans is sufficient. They are a tool for teachers to be organized, not for others to pick apart and decide whether or not they are worthy.

Parents who want to know what their child is learning already have this access. Google your state standards. You can already see it. Teachers use these standards to plan the lessons. Standards are what the child will learn, and there is some grace in the how [unless you live in Florida in Manatee county where you are asked to do the same thing as your entire team]. Even then, what is the goal mediocrity? I'll save that for another episode before my blood pressure goes off the rail.

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