Opportunity+to+Learn

Recently, I read a book written by Malcolm Gladwell titled, //[|Outliers]//. Gladwell (2008) wrote, "Marita doesn't need a brand new school with acres of playing fields and gleaming facilities. She doesn't need a laptop, a smaller class, a teacher with a PhD, or a bigger apartment......All those things would be nice, of course. But they miss the point. Marita just needed a chance" (pp. 268-269).

Gladwell suggests that superstar athletes are given access to good coaches, private lessons, and additional opportunities. This quote made me struggle with answers to the following questions.


 * Questions for Educators:**

1. What does it look like when all students have a chance or an "opportunity to learn?"

2. What role does K-12 curriculum development play in providing each student with an "opportunity to learn?"

3. What policies and procedures need to be developed in order to guarantee that each student receives the "opportunity to learn" a guaranteed curriculum?

4. Is it ethical for sixth graders at School A to receive a different curriculum (key concepts, skills, understandings) than the sixth graders at School B?

5. If the opportunity to learn is critical to student success, why don't educators discuss "opportunity to learn" on a regular basis?

Educators are welcome to share their experiences, articles related to this topic or modify the existing page.