Eliana Finerman does a nice job challenging our assumptions about test-taking, collaboration and cheating. It is very worthwhile re-thinking the way that we do assessments and gauging how well our assessments align with our learning goals…and with skills that students really need in the 21st century.
That said, I am going to disagree about tests. While it is true that in the world we ask people for help all the time, it is also true that if we don’t develop sufficient skills of our own, no one will want us on their team to begin with. At some level of proficiency, we want and expect people to receive help and feedback from others…but if they cannot write, read or demonstrate basic competency in important areas, then their need for constant help will be seen as inefficient and even counter-productive. Tests may not be the only way to develop independent skills, but whether it is through tests or other authentic assessments, there is still very much a role for developing self-sufficiency, independence, and competency (or, better yet, mastery) in critical disciplines. In this respect, I believe that the comparison of schools to adult workplaces is misleading.
Joshua Levisohn, Ph.D.
Headmaster
Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy
