Barbara Blackburn Online

"Rigor is not about giving students more to do, punishing them with more homework.

Rigor is about helping students learn at higher levels, and that's why I became a teacher"

Welcome to my introduction page discussing rigor and what it means for you, your classroom and your students' growth.

I have been in education working with teachers and leaders for 30 years. When I am in schools working with teachers, I’m often asked why I care about rigor. My response is simple: rigor is not about giving students more to do or punishing them with more homework, but rather:

“Rigor is about helping students learn at higher levels, and that’s why I became a teacher”.

Across my 30 years I have learned a lot from my students, from other teachers, and administrators.

Three of those frame my beliefs about rigor:

1. The Power of an Individual Teacher

2. Students Reflect our Beliefs

3. Collaborate with others for Success

4. Focus on what we can Control

"It starts with the youngest of students and applicable for everyone"

As a recognized leader in the subject and having delivered results for thousands of educators, schools and students across the globe, my discussions, books, workshops and research are designed to support you, your school and students with a practical, teacher-friendly concept of instructional rigor that includes high expectations, scaffolding for instruction, and demonstration of learning while keeping in mind the “student first” principle.

I have found that rigor is now important than ever. Rigor for each and every student, is a key to increased learning that opens doors for their futures.

It starts with the youngest of students and is applicable for everyone.

This page dedicated to Rigor provides access to a suite of further information and resources for your support and as always, I encourage you to reach out and contact me to discuss you and your students learning journey anytime.

Thank you as always,

Dr Barbara Blackburn

Rigor is not a negative concept. It is about meeting students where they are in their learning process and helping them move to a higher level of learning.

Every student should be given the opportunity to learn at high levels.

Students are more likely to succeed if they are held to high expectations and provided appropriate encouragement and support.

Rigor may "look" different for different students, but all students can master complex, high-order skills and concepts.

Students need varying levels of support as they move to more rigorous work.

A classroom environment that promotes student motivation, student ownership and empowerment, and a growth mindset is critical.