Usually such edu-speak means that means more electronic gadgets and lessons in “social justice.”  What that means is independent thinking gives way to “collaboration,” contemplation gives way to flash and fun, and real knowledge gives way to lessons in grievances.  I’ve seen the outcomes in the college classroom.  But can we blame college students’ casual attitudes towards learning when elementary school teachers give students collaborative writing and research projects, to be done as they lie down on the classroom floor, as they would in their homes in front of the television (as I saw on the DeKalb County schools channel over the weekend).  We don’t need any more teacher training, but common sense.  Common sense tells us that students need to understand the importance of discipline.  That begins by sitting upright in their seats.  If we do that, then maybe they won’t be sprawling back in their seats in the college classroom and text-messaging while the professor lectures.