Starbucks and Flexible Grouping

I had an urge for a decaf latte. So I jumped in the car and headed down to the new Starbucks. Now, I need to give you some background. This coffee shop isn't the typical Starbucks. Apparently, it is a "Classic" version of Starbucks. It is based on an older model of customer service.

Instead of walking into a line and ordering my drink I was ushered into another room. It was a bare rectangular room with uncomfortable chairs and small desks. I began to ask a question when I was firmly told to sit down and wait. I thought that was rather odd for a Starbucks but I didn't resist.

After about 20 minutes of waiting, the room had filled up with a variety of men and women. We shared in common on thing-a confused expression. Everytime we attempted to talk a representative told us to be quiet. Many of us sat and glanced at our watches wondering how long this escapade would last.

Finally, another representative came in with a cart filled with coffee cups and two urns. She passed out cups to each of us. Some objected to coffee cups since they only wanted tea. Others objected because they wanted to purchase pastries. Our comments were ignored. After 10 minutes we all had a one steeming cup of coffee on our desk.

We were told to drink the coffee. It was explained that no sugar or cream would be provided. A few people drank - apparently they were the "I like it black" crowd. Others were clearly agitated. A few of the agitated people tried to explain what they needed but were shushed. Shortly thereafter a few of them started acting up and ignoring instructions from the representatives. It was like they didn't care. They had given up.

After collecting our money for the coffee we were excused. I was determined to make my opinion known on the way out. But to my chagrin the manager seemed oblivious to my concerns. He explained that the classic model had been used for many years it would be very difficult to retrain his representatives on a new one.

I stormed out the door and threw my coffee in the trash. Thank God I never have to go back to that Starbucks again.

Obviously, the is a fictional Starbucks. It would never survive in a world of customer-focused sales. Starbucks thrives because it provides its customers what they want when they need it.

Flexible grouping is an educational concept rooted in the belief that each student is a customer with individual needs. With flexible grouping the needs of my students drive instruction, assessment and intervention.

You wouldn't buy coffee at a "Classic" Starbucks. Why do we insist on teaching students using a "Classic" model?