Initially, Kyair had doubts that Baltimore kids could work with the challenging, grade level texts in high-quality, knowledge-building curricula. I love his authenticity here. “Wow, Kyair, shame on you. What does that say about you?”

“A high quality, standards-aligned, research & evidence-based curriculum doesn’t belong at Baltimore City... what does that really say about you? Are you not capable of teaching it? And, or do you really think that your kids can rise to the occasion? That was a real gut punch.”

.@kyairb told me this story when I visited his classroom. All the better that he shared it with @natwexler and the @ClassroomWonder podcast! I’m starting Episode 4 (on Knowledge and writing!) shortly… hope you are, too:

@natwexler @ClassroomWonder Spoiler: @kyairb’s kids crushed it. He told me, and they showed me, years ago. But the initial doubts are really important to contemplate. Teachers need to believe All Kids Can. His journey, and the similar story from @DelorisELACoach, make this podcast a must.

@natwexler @ClassroomWonder @DelorisELACoach Throwback to Enver, who skipped lunch to share his writing with me when I visited @kyairb’s classroom. ❤️

@kyairb I loved that part, too. SoR w/ a knowledge-building curriculum can negate the impact of those unconscious ideas we have about why kids don’t succeed. It’s part of why @KJWinEducation’s webinar stuck with me so strongly & why I share it so often!