Should we strive for predictability in education? Schools now use assessments to predict a student’s standardized test score. Yes, tests to predict tests, and it’s quite accurate as well.
So this is the process for the “accomplished” teacher. She assesses her students in the same manner, over the identical content as the state standardized tests. These results show her which students are in danger of not passing. Then the teacher focuses her standardized drill techniques on these select students, desperate for the kids to answer one or two more questions right on the state test, resulting in the teacher keeping the label of “accomplished”.
Predicting the Future. Or Not.
Woohoo! What a thrill ride this profession offers! While the industrial revolution was an exciting time, I’m not sure the education sector should be striving for the same predictable productivity. Actually, I would argue that the future workforce is harmed by this practice. If we can’t even predict what careers will be waiting for these students, why would we choose to equip them with such a finite skill set.
I see how knowing the future would save us from unnecessary risk but, I also see the coming years and decades being as unpredictable as ever. Technology has that way about it. If there was ever a time to promote unconventional thinking and the exploration of ideas, it is today!
In his book The Accidental Creative, Todd Henry says, “we do less than we’re capable of because we don’t want to deal with the consequences of disapproval at the end of the process.” It’s devastating to know that many in education succumb to this. Sadder still, when teachers carry this concept they embed the same attitude in their students. So many talents and gifts are jammed into the hidden closet in the back room, limited by the restraints of conformity.
The Shift
And know that this doesn’t mean we’re abandoning foundational skills. Exactly the opposite. We attempt to take those skills and move them to spark creativity and art, therein stimulating life! Actually creativity needs to be considered a foundational skill. It too is something that can be nurtured and developed. For this, the Maker Space and Genius Hour are important trends in the classroom.
Share and interact through ideas. It’s an exciting time to be an educator!
Peace in collaboration
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