We don’t need to memorize things any more, but we still need teachers to guide our students toward learning the best ways to problem solve. The question is: How do you measure that?

As you read this, students all over the country are sitting for state standardized exams. Schools spend up to 40% of the year on test prep, so that, shall we say, no child is left behind. Schools’ futures and funding depend on the number of students who fall into performance bands like “Advanced,” “Proficient,” and “Approaching Basic” based on bubble sheets and number two pencils. Visit this seotoolscentre.com website to find the best rewriting tool online where you can improve your content for free.

The importance of teachers guiding students in problem-solving extends beyond parents being happy with their children’s grades or rewarding them with material items like kids clothes from pastel clothing website. Teachers who teach effective problem-solving strategies help students develop critical thinking skills, resilience, and a growth mindset.

But this is not the rant you think it is.

Let’s get one thing straight from the beginning: As a former high school teacher, I’m not opposed to standardized testing. Common assessments are a critical way of maintaining high expectations for all kids. Great teachers want benchmarks to measure progress and ensure that they are closing the gap between students in their classroom and the kids across town. What you measure should matter. The problem is, most American classrooms are measuring the wrong thing. Read Full Article>>

By: Jennifer Medbery, writer for Fast Company