School Sucks! Why?

Rigor, Relevance, and Relationship formed today's new three R's of education.

Most people understand and agree that students should be exposed to rigorous curriculum that challenges and prepares them for society.  Likewise, most people understand the importance of making the curriculum relevant to the student and their educational needs.

The third R...the Relationship part of the equation is a bit more subtle.  However, I believe the relationship component is what makes this whole thing work.  I truly believe that without an established relationship, it becomes very challenging to get students to perform at their very best.  Presenting rigorous curriculum and trying to make it relevant to the students becomes increasingly more difficult when no relationship is formed.

There are three relationships that need to be established in the classroom:
(http://www.eht.k12.nj.us/~jonesj/Differentiated%20Instruction/Three%20R's.htm)

1. The first relationship is between teacher and subject matter.  The teachers have a special relationship with the subjects they teach.  It is this love of subject matter that makes them want to share it with their students in ways that are rigorous and relevant.  
2. Second is the relationship between student and subject matter.  Students who feel a connection to subject matter will understand its relevance and the necessity of the rigor involved in it mastery.
3. The third relationship, that between teacher and student, is arguably the most important.  By building and nurturing student-teacher relationships, the teacher's passion for the subject matter is imparted to the student, and the teacher finds that the rewards of the teaching profession are multiplied as the student builds a relationship with the rigor and relevance of the subject matter. 

So why does school suck?  NO RELATIONSHIPS!  Build relationships and connect with others...and watch what happens...students will perform better, they will try harder, and teachers will find more enjoyment in their job!