Why are we still giving so many tests?

First, the obvious reason; the state and other entities require us to give standardized tests each year.

Ok, I think we can all agree this is the most pressing reason, and it has a trickle-down effect that we will get into later (i.e. the only way to get kids ready to take these tests is to give more tests). There is also a lot to unpack with just that statement - why state and other entities require us to give tests which - we will not get into in this article, but many others have broken down the political and financial reasons behind this phenomenon.

Second, we have to hold colleges and universities accountable. If they are still requiring tests like the SAT, ACT, and AP tests for admission, then we will inevitably be giving tests "like this" in our K-12 schools.

Third, there is a combination of things that are all interconnected: Convenience, time, and data.

It’s here, and I’m concerned. I could even argue, a bit scared.

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a science-fiction predicted future. It is our reality at this very moment.

Sitting on the hinge of history is a weird place to be, especially when you realize it is truly a technological advancement that will impact us and generations to come.

I’ve written articles about many of the ways Artificial Intelligence can be used for good.

I’ve created videos detailing the tools and strategies to utilize this A.I. tech to engage learners in meaningful and relevant ways.

I’ve built out an entire community of teachers and school leaders who are sharing all of the amazing breakthroughs happening right now in schools around the world because of what A.I. can help us do.

And yet…

When I was growing up the only insight I had to the lifestyles of the rich and famous was an episode of Cribs (we all wanted to see what was in the fridge).

In my neighborhood, I had two friends that were “Rich”. One had a doctor parent and the other a lawyer parent (they had a pool).

So, when teachers and adults, in general, told me that paying attention in school for 7 hours, doing my homework, and following the path of school—college—job was the best course to take for my future…I believed them.

That’s NOT our kids' reality in today's world.

A few months ago, author and speaker George Couros posted an article where he mentions “four questions to consider when using ChatGPT”:

1. What are some of the negatives and positives of ChatGPT?

2. What are some ways that ChatGPT can be used in our everyday lives?

3. How can we use ChatGPT in our current roles to make our lives easier and improve learning?

4. How can we help students utilize ChatGPT for their learning in and outside of school?

This activity can be run by a school leader for a faculty meeting, PLC, department meeting, or even a grade-level meeting (4th, 5th, or 6th).

It can also be run by a teacher with their high school or middle school students to discuss the implications in their classroom.

Check it out below and let me know how it goes!

Let's be honest. Being a teacher and school leader can be overwhelming.

There is so much to do (not enough time), so much to learn (where do we even start), and it all keeps changing. In my last few posts, we dove into some of the real reasons we are struggling in a world of distraction and artificial intelligence.

But, we want to make a difference. That’s why we got into education. We want to be innovative, creative, and make a greater impact.

Ever year I break down my goals, and what I have been failing to achieve when going after those goals. It started in a classroom and has been ongoing here on the blog for a few years now.

I see how transformational it can be to save time, develop engaging experiences, and usher in a new era of what learning can look like. But, there has been something that’s bugging me.

While I was putting the IKEA bed together and following the steps, I couldn’t help but think that this is what many of our students must feel like. They are often given “big tasks” to complete in school. These tasks could be writing a paper, research essay, book report project, word problem, or lab.

You might have even experienced that nagging feeling when you have a minute of wait time or boredom, and your hand reaches subconsciously for your device…

Believe me, it’s not just you. It’s me. It’s most of us.

We are distracted. More than ever. The chances you finish this article are very slim. The chances you finish this article without getting distracted by your device are extremely small!

Kids are distracted by constant notifications for their attention. You already know this. Because you are also distracted. We live in an era of distraction.

AI-compatible practices will dictate how much of our learning is structured now and in the future.

Since then I've worked with many schools on developing these practices for a variety of grade levels and subject areas.

My favorite AI-compatible practice that works in almost any classroom is "Defend Your Learning".