State education reformers are blaming our current educational deficiencies on rote learning, multiple choice achievement tests and too little money. For the most part, our children have scored poorly on these examinations. Rote learning by itself is not enough, but it is indispensable in the early grades if students are to learn higher order thinking skills. To become good writers, students must conquer grammar and learn how to organize information. Underpinning all academic success is the ability to read excellently and independently.
Students move through natural phases of development and learning potential.
The cart must not be put before the horse as our state is considering doing with our new essential earnings. Young children naturally love to memorize. Little ones are a fountain of memorized songs, poems, silly sayings, and lines from their favorite videos. Students are then prepared to move from facts to logic and reasoning. Then, and only then, should students move on to specialization.