Adults don't score well...

The news came across several feeds today... as I think about it more, I am getting more distressed by the implications.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/us-adults-score-average-worldwide-test-20502036

In a nutshell, a "standardized test" was given to adults (similar to the ones students take), and adults in the US did not score well according to the results. My first reaction is the typical "you can't tell much from tests," and I do still believe we need to move away from seeing a test as the measure of all things learning. Then, I reread the ABC News account of the  story, and I noticed the nature of the tasks respondents were asked to perform:

These are skills that can be tested; these are skills that one who is literate and numerate should be able to complete with little difficulty.

As we read the article further, we find that our country also has a growing gap between the highly-skilled adults and the least -skilled adults, and that there are significant impediments to gaining the necessary skills. To me, that is the most distressing part of this story. In the US, access to education is a right, but unfortunately, we have been allowing politicians and other non-experts define education policy and procedure in recent generations. This has failed, and it is time to stop.

Humans are learners. Learning is a natural process that happens when one is motivated and in an enriched and social environment. Motivated learners investigating relevant problems in an enriched and interactive environment is characteristic of our schooling.

This article seems to lead to the conclusion that the schooling experienced by today's adults did not work. It is time to jettison the dysfunctional system with standardized and sterilized curriculum, instruction based on delivering information, and professionalized educators.

Much of the current rhetoric about education seems to be focusing attention on red herrings as well. Learning is the result of:

• Interesting and engaging curriculum

• Learners actively engaged with the curriculum

• Learners actively engaged with skilled and knowledgeable teachers

Any schooling that isn't directly leading to one of those three is part of the problem.