Yesterday, President Obama delivered an education speech to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. This was a major speech, chock full of news for ed-types. Most are discussing his endorsement of merit pay and a longer school year. But here’s a relatively overlooked section of the speech that deserves attention:
“The solution to low test scores is not lower standards – it’s tougher, clearer standards. Standards like those in Massachusetts, where 8th graders are now tying for first – first – in the world in science.”
We’re glad that President Obama recognizes that Massachusetts has been a model state for rigorous standards. But what’s strange about Obama’s use of the Massachusetts example is that he went on to say,
“I am calling on our nation’s Governors and state education chiefs to develop standards and assessments that don’t simply measure whether students can fill in a bubble on a test, but whether they possess 21st century skills like problem-solving and critical thinking, entrepreneurship and creativity.”
Massachusetts students have hit the targets they have while following standards that are uncluttered with “21st century skills.” Unfortunately, Massachusetts has recently signed on with the Partnership for 21st Century Skills and may soon alter their standards in ways that are likely to undermine that state’s accomplishments. But they got where they are right now—at the top of US and some international rankings—without 21st century skills. The buzzwords “21st century skills” are suffering from overuse. The notion is a fad that stands on the weakest of foundations. We hope that the President, Secretary Duncan, and their advisors will recognize this and be more careful about such phrase-dropping in the future.
Lynne Munson