"If the textbook contains the answers, then what are the questions?"

I recently used the word oxymoron in response to the question on creativity vs. intentionality. Unfortunately, the concept of the textbook containing the answers, while not rising to the level of being an oxymoron, is highly dubious. It was not that long ago when we had the opportunity to view a film on the textbook industry. So this brings in question three aspects of the above quote. One, how valid are the textbooks? Two, are the answers accurate? Three, in reality are we asking the right questions to begin with?

Bob James, in reflecting on this question aptly states, “I can’t recall ever being in a course in which the content was explicitly framed around important, thought provoking questions during class….” I think Mr. James addresses what is becoming a common theme for those in “progressive” education. I am reluctant to just write the expected “correct” answer, which is essential questions and/or backward design. While I agree with both those concepts, these concepts are what I am being taught, so I become concerned about churning out answers that would be expected.

There is a great need to look both at the questions and the answers, as both the field of education and the country are at a great crossroad. The stakes could not be higher. I just watched a video two hours ago about 241 teachers just being fired in DC, not for budgetary reasons, but for incompetence. Michelle Rhee, the person in charge of the firings, was asking the right question. The right question is "are our students learning?” The answer was they are not. She held the teacher’s accountable. That is a start. Still so very far to go.