I know what you are thinking. what is the FIRST most overused, misunderstood word in education. For that you will have to stay tuned...For now, let's talk about RIGOR.
Depending on who you talk to rigor means different things. The original goal of the more "rigorous" classroom was to provide students with assignments that challenged them intellectually; required problem-solving and analytical thinking. In other words eliminate all the worksheet type thinking.
In its actual implementation, rigor has its challenges. It can mean that learning can't be fun, that students cannot receive support, and that the curriculum is inflexible, harsh and strict. Of rigor Diane Ravitch, the education historian turned advocate, says "whenever you hear the word “rigor,” think rigor mortis." It can also just mean take more "rigorous courses" i.e. higher level math and science. Yet, we know that even though students take geometry and algebra at a higher rate than in the past, many pass those courses and still end up needing to take remedial math courses in college. In other words the quality of the courses may be deteriorating in a quest to say more students are completing the rigorous curriculum.
Perhaps the most egregious use of rigor is "build grit" in students. One interpretation suggest that teachers should not support students. If they offer help, teachers are "reducing" the rigor of the classroom.
This is simply just wrong. Rigor began with the idea of eliminating low-level thinking assignments. Instead, it has become a mess of misinterpreted, misused teaching practices all wrapped up in a single word. Perhaps, it is simply time to eliminate another buzzword and focus on supporting our teachers and our students.
"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." - Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride
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