Reynolds School District

How do you see internet access impacting the digital divide and the impact that it has had on learning for students at all economic levels?

Internet access is increasing the digital divide between those that have and those that do not. As schools continue to develop and expand digital media and online learning, marginalized families are going to find it harder to access learning materials.

What is your opinion of the role of high stakes standardized testing in the education of our children?

High stakes standardized testing should be a used as a measurement of the school not the children. These test should not be used to determine the students potential or to keep students behind. When the students do not meet the standards, it is the school that failed them.

What steps do you see need to be taken in order for science to be taught as a method of inquiry and deduction, and not just a litany of facts?

Schools need to have a positive learning environment where students are able to have open and respectful conversations in the classrooms. We have to get away from fact based learning and encourage children to think critical to find solutions based on facts. We should treat facts as a tool bucket that is used to expand our knowledge. It is critical that we develop curricula that allows students to share their personal knowledge and experience without feeling they will be ridiculed. We need to develop curricula that gives space for students to be themselves.