FROM THE FIELD
Reach, Rigor, Research,
and Readiness
An Artist’s Reminder that We are the Foundation
Typhani Harris, PhD.
Historically, education has been built on the basic skills of the three R’s, Reading, wRiting, and
aRithmetic, said to be introduced by Sir William Curtis of London in the early 1800s. This trifecta has
been the foundation of education for over two centuries, but in a world where even the latest iPhone is
out of date in mere months, how has this acronym remained the foundation of an educational system
that seeks to prepare our future leaders, innovators, and experts? With the new educational shift, isn’t
it about time to shift the foundational expectations as well? As our educational landscape changes and
we begin to embrace the act of creation through STEAM, Arts Integration, and Maker Spaces, the ageold three R trifecta needs to be updated. In a quest to move beyond the simplicity of Reading, wRiting,
and aRithmetic, a quadfecta of four R’s has emerged. Based on the needs of our world, the shift in
education, and the accessibility of technology the following four R’s are certainly a better fit. Reach,
Rigor, Research, and Readiness are four actions that embody the previous trifecta, epitomize the new
vision of education, and are the foundation of next generation education.
Reach
To reach is to move or stretch when trying to grab or touch something. This stretch for things that are
just out of reach is the essence of the world. Everyday people try to reach further, stretch their mind,
bodies, and souls to the next object of improvement. Students reach to strengthen their skills and
STEAMed Magazine
45
July 2016 Edition