The Future of Student Learning is Here! What next?

The way we look at student learning is changing as told by the Salutatorian and Valedictorian of Somerset High School.. 

Somerset High School Graduation
Photo Credit: Natalie Pollack

Friday, May 19th was graduation time for the Class of 2017 at Somerset High School in Somerset, Wisconsin. This is my 5th year teaching at Somerset High School and on Friday night the students taught me something that I think I have been realizing more and more as the years go on...

Our students have changed which mean education has to change! Not just in terms of where are students are currently but also where they are going.

Two speeches were given on Friday night, one in MadLibs style and one presented as a rap (epically done). Besides their drive to be unique in the way they delivered their speeches, one piece of advice was continually being repeated in the speeches by the students as well as by the Superintendent, Board President, and the staff member speaking: It is OK to Fail! 

Our students are growing up in a time period where their future employers are going to expect them to have new and innovative ideas. In order to generate new ideas you have to try something you haven't yet done before. When trying something new it is normal to fail and that is what creates some of the newest and greatest ideas yet!

Their futures are unknown and bright, they will take many different paths to success, and as long as they keep trying they will continue to achieve!

Congrats Class of 2017!!!