The Global Search for Education: School Performance
Oct23

The Global Search for Education: School Performance

  “Schools are driven to place too much emphasis on test scores that capture what can easily be measured. In doing so, they neglect other important skills and qualities that are difficult to quantify.” — Andy Hargreaves A new report, Data-Driven Improvement and Accountability, authored by Boston College professors Andy Hargreaves and Henry Braun, offers recommendations for establishing more effective systems and...

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The Global Search for Education – Is the AP Worth It?
May16

The Global Search for Education – Is the AP Worth It?

 “Students need to be prepared for the extra work and make sure this fits with their overall schedule and their ability to take care of their health and well-being.”  –Denise Pope  The College Board has long claimed its gold standard AP Program can help students succeed in college, narrow the achievement gap and level the playing field for traditionally under-served high schools and students.  The program has...

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The Global Search for Education: If not the SAT, What?
Feb04

The Global Search for Education: If not the SAT, What?

 “Multiple choice tests have been the dominant type of test in this country since World War I, but that is about to change.” — Roger Benjamin  What if educators were able to assess the 21st century skills that thought leaders in The Global Search for Education series talk about week after week?  What if this 21st century replacement for the SAT was able to measure high school students’ critical thinking,...

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The Global Search for Education: What Is the Fourth Way?
Jan28

The Global Search for Education: What Is the Fourth Way?

 “We need to establish platforms for teachers to initiate their own changes and make their own judgments on the frontline, to invest more in the change capacities of local districts and communities, and to pursue prudent rather than profligate approaches to testing.” — Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley  The Fourth Way is a powerful new vision to bring about effective educational reform. Even after one has...

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The Global Search for Education: What Will Finland Do Next?
Jan14

The Global Search for Education: What Will Finland Do Next?

 “Finnish schools are fear-free places where children don’t need to worry about competition, failure or performance that in many countries are fueled by standardized testing.” — Pasi Sahlberg Photo courtesy of Elvi Rista.  Systematic pursuit of children’s wellbeing and happiness in secure environments takes precedence over measured academic achievements in Finnish schools, according to Pasi Sahlberg,...

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