Transform education by measuring what matters. Hint: It’s not test scores. — from the Innovative Educator by Lisa Nielsen
Excerpts:
What if instead we measured success in things that really mattered to students, parents and teachers. For example…
Students have:
- A plan to find and develop their passion(s).
- A team of mentors, guidance, and/or advisors to help guide them in discovery and development of their passions.
- Customized success plans that they help design.
- Advisors who are deeply involved in and responsible for their lives and their success.
- An opportunity to learn about what they are interested in the world with real world experts.
- Reported they are satisfied with support they receive from the school.
- An authentic portfolio that can be used for career, academic, or civic pursuits.
…
If we work to move the conversation to measuring success by meeting our student’s personal goals in college, career, and/or life experiences we accomplish these goals:
- Instead of teaching to the test we teach to the student.
- Billions of dollars are restored toward resources for students.
- Schools are held accountable, not for test scores, but for placement in what matters: college, career, and/or civic duty.