State Representative Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, made the case Monday on The Michael Patrick Leahy Show that Tennessee students will move up in national education rankings if schools return to more traditional classroom instruction techniques.¶
That includes changes in discipline and in the instruments students use to learn.¶
“The ones that are in front of us are doing strict discipline in the classroom,” Cepickly said. “They’re getting the cell phones out of the classroom. They’re removing technology from the classroom. They’re going back to pen and paper. They’re going back to direct instruction and competency-based education.”¶
Cepicky served as the chair of the House Education Instruction Subcommittee this session and said he plans to introduce legislation next year to accomplish these goals if re-elected in House District 64.¶
What is Direct Classroom Instruction
Direct classroom instruction is a teacher-led model that incorporates well-developed, carefully planned lessons designed around small learning increments and clearly defined, prescribed teaching tasks, according to the National Institute for Direct Instruction.¶
It differs from other teaching models, such as inquiry learning, which is active, student-centered, and designed to trigger curiosity.¶
Cepicky wants to see more classrooms use direct instruction and place a stronger emphasis on using textbooks, pen and paper, and cursive writing rather than computers.¶
“We want the direct instruction coming from the teachers, day after day, getting the kids’ noses in their books, turning the pages, writing with pen and paper so you’re engaging in multiple tactile functions, which every time you do that, imprints it on another part of the child’s brain,” Cepicky said.¶
Digital Device Limits
Lawmakers passed legislation in April requiring school districts to adopt policies governing the age-appropriate use of digital devices by students in grades K-5 and to minimize unnecessary screen time.¶
Cepicky says he doesn’t want to completely do away with technology in the classroom, emphasizing that there’s still a place for touch-sensitive digital displays like Promethean boards.¶
Demanding Excellence
Representative Cepicky sponsored legislation this year to close underperforming virtual schools and legislation to automatically enroll high-performing eighth-grade students in Algebra 1. Both bills passed the General Assembly.¶
He said it’s important for Tennessee leaders to continue seeking other ways to demand excellence from students and educators, rather than resting on the laurels of recent improvements in national rankings.¶
“Eight years ago, when I got here, we were 47th in education; we’re now 22nd,” Cepicky said. “Our reading level was around 26 percent in third grade; we’re at mid-forties now, right, and if we get to fifty, they’re going to be patting me on the back and patting everyone on the back about how great a job we’re doing and 50 percent of our kids still can’t read and comprehend on grade level. If you were in sports, you’d be terminated immediately.”¶
