What does the phrase ALL STUDENTS CAN LEARN mean to you?
What if we add AT HIGH LEVELS to it?
That would have been a fiasco!
Then I wondered how I would answer the question today, knowing what I know, and knowing the question ahead of time. "I think I understand what you are asking," I would have replied. "I believe a teacher should teach to the top student in the class. I believe a teacher should challenge the top student in the class. At the same time, there is an art to bringing the other students along for the ride."
I try to hone this art, but it definitely isn't an easy concept. By teaching to the top, a teacher demonstrates respect to students who can all to often be left out. But hey! Those kids don't need the teacher's attention, do they? Those kids are high achievers already. Teachers should focus on the ones that need to catch up instead. I hear you, and I understand the idea. But this isn't a medical triage where the worst cases must be treated first.
I believe all students can be taught at high levels and every student can learn something from the lesson. Whether every pupil understands in entirety may be in question, but every student can be impressed upon to learn everything s/he can learn within the realm of a standard or objective.
It may be unfair to ask rookies a question like that, but at the same time, we're asking a high-level question to see who might rise to the occasion.