One Big Idea: Terry Farris on IEPs for Every Student (S2E12)

If you could share One Big Idea to change the future of education, what would it be? 

In the 12th episode of Future of School’s One Big Idea series, our guest is Dr. Terry Farris, Chief Academic Officer at American Heritage College. 

Dr. Farris shares his big idea of individualized education plans (IEPs) for all students. Especially after the pandemic, we’re seeing more and more that kids (and adults) have different interests, and they deserve the opportunity to explore those interests productively. This also involves prioritizing critical thinking instead of over-testing, to keep students engaged and avoid the risk of “losing them.”

He proposes that we truly explore the possibility of IEPs for all. Often, according to Dr. Farris, most attention is either focused on designing education around the top 10% of students. Additionally, students in special education programs will have an IEP. What’s left is the students in “the middle” who aren’t provided with a personalized or engaging learning plan according to their needs or interests. As a result, many students will feel as though they don’t like school, or at least will fail to get the most out of their educational experience. 

What’s your One Big Idea to transform education? Connect with us on social media or on our website, www.futureof.school, to share! Follow Future of School on Twitter @futureof_school and follow Amy Valentine @amyvalentine555.

Learn more about Future of School and its mission to mobilize change in American K-12 education from a one-size-fits-all system to one that ensures all students reach their unbounded potential no matter where their learning takes place at www.futureof.school.

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