Friday, July 3, 2015

d

Hello, please i would like to have a business with you.

Regards
Dr. Wolfgang

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Fwd: Scholar Leader Dinners (deadlines looming)



-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.


Begin forwarded message:

From: nelms@nelms.org
Date: April 30, 2015 at 9:04:30 AM EDT
To: "Dr. Gary L. Ackerman" <gary@hackscience.net>
Subject: Scholar Leader Dinners (deadlines looming)
Reply-To: NELMS <nelms@nelms.org>

April 30, 2015 Blast E-mail
nelms logo

summer nelms poster

For more information about Summer NELMS and/or to register please click here.


Summer Literacy Series with Keys to Literacy
"Literacy is the Foundation for Learning"

July 27–30, 2015
Keys to Literacy offices – Rowley, MA

Literacy and learning go hand and hand. That is why all students must master the skills and strategies needed to comprehend content reading, build strong vocabularies, and write and communicate effectively. Partnering with Keys to Literacy, NELMS will provide these two two-day professional development workshops to help teachers focus on content literacy to help their students develop a lifelong capacity to learn.

For more information and/or to register please click here.


Time is running out – Scholar Leader Awards 2015

This program is intended to give public recognition to two students from each middle level school in your state who have distinguished themselves in terms of outstanding scholarship and leadership. The selection of these two students, who are being recognized as representatives of all young adolescents who might qualify, will be the responsibility of each school, in accordance with the Selection Criteria accompanying this announcement.

The students selected, along with their guests, will be invited to attend the statewide Awards Banquet. The Governor, the Commissioner of Education, and other dignitaries will be invited. Each student will receive a plaque with his or her name on it signifying the honor. A photograph of the Scholar Leader receiving the award will also be given to each of the students.
Click here
for more information about this very popular program.

 

NELMS Middle Level Scheduling Workshops

ARE YOU…
Challenged by your schedule?
Looking for ways to create a schedule that "works" for your particular school?
Then NELMS Scheduling Workshops are designed for you!

Attend this workshop to:
gain information about components of a middle school schedule
look at a variety of schedule types
think about the pluses and minuses of your current schedule
take time to identify your school's non-negotiables
identify priorities
share challenges and solutions with colleagues
begin the work of revitalizing your schedule
For more information about these workshops please click here.

 

Annual Conference Raffle Winners

Congratulations to Ms. Christine Scilingo, Norton Middle School, Norton, MA and Ms. Kristen Sturtevant, Rochester Middle School, Rochester, NH - the winners of the 2015 AC Raffle. They each will receive a two day registration to next year's 35th Annual Conference.

 

From our sponsors & partners

Plymouth State University is registering a new cohort beginning
July 9 & 10 at Summer NELMS in Portsmouth, NH.

 

 

Summer NELMS
Portsmouth, NH
July 9 & 10, 2015
To learn more
click here


Summer Literacy Series with
Keys to Literacy

Rowley, MA
July 27—30, 2015
To learn more
click here


Scholar Leader Dinners
Through
May & June
To learn more
click here

Join us on Facebook and Twitter

facebook logo


 

You are currently subscribed to nelms as: gary@hackscience.net
Add nelms@nelms.org to your email address book to ensure delivery
Forward to a Friend  |  Manage Subscription  |   Subscribe  |   Unsubscribe
Net Atlantic

Friday, April 24, 2015

Fwd: Vermont Scholar Leader Dinner nominations due by May 12th



-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.


Begin forwarded message:

From: nelms@nelms.org
Date: April 24, 2015 at 8:00:00 AM EDT
To: "Dr. Gary L. Ackerman" <gary@hackscience.net>
Subject: Vermont Scholar Leader Dinner nominations due by May 12th
Reply-To: NELMS <nelms@nelms.org>

2015 Vermont Scholar Leader Info
nelms logo

Don't forget to send in your Nominations for Vermont Scholar Leader Award! Deadline for receiving nominations is just over TWO WEEKS away!

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Norwich University, Plumley Armory, Northfield, VT

Registration/Nomination forms are due NO LATER THAN May 12, 2015! Don't delay! Get your completed nomination/registration form mailed or faxed in today!

For more information and registration form about the Scholar Leader Dinner: Click here.

 

 

 

NELMS Summer NELMS
Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel, Portsmouth, NH
July 9 & 10, 2015 CLICK HERE for more info!

Summer Literacy Series with Keys to Literacy
Keys to Literacy Office, Rowley, MA
July 27-30, 2015 CLICK HERE for more info!

Join us on Facebook and Twitter

facebook logo


Thursday, April 23, 2015

Fwd: AC Raffle Winners and upcoming events



-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.


Begin forwarded message:

From: nelms@nelms.org
Date: April 23, 2015 at 8:49:03 AM EDT
To: "Dr. Gary L. Ackerman" <gary@hackscience.net>
Subject: AC Raffle Winners and upcoming events
Reply-To: NELMS <nelms@nelms.org>

April 23, 2015 Blast E-mail
nelms logo

summer nelms poster

For more information about Summer NELMS and/or to register please click here.


Summer Literacy Series with Keys to Literacy
"Literacy is the Foundation for Learning"

July 27–30, 2015
Keys to Literacy offices – Rowley, MA

Literacy and learning go hand and hand. That is why all students must master the skills and strategies needed to comprehend content reading, build strong vocabularies, and write and communicate effectively. Partnering with Keys to Literacy, NELMS will provide these two two-day professional development workshops to help teachers focus on content literacy to help their students develop a lifelong capacity to learn.

For more information and/or to register please click here.


Scholar Leader Awards 2015

This program is intended to give public recognition to two students from each middle level school in your state who have distinguished themselves in terms of outstanding scholarship and leadership. The selection of these two students, who are being recognized as representatives of all young adolescents who might qualify, will be the responsibility of each school, in accordance with the Selection Criteria accompanying this announcement.

The students selected, along with their guests, will be invited to attend the statewide Awards Banquet. The Governor, the Commissioner of Education, and other dignitaries will be invited. Each student will receive a plaque with his or her name on it signifying the honor. A photograph of the Scholar Leader receiving the award will also be given to each of the students.
Click here
for more information about this very popular program.

 

NELMS Middle Level Scheduling Workshops

ARE YOU…
Challenged by your schedule?
Looking for ways to create a schedule that "works" for your particular school?
Then NELMS Scheduling Workshops are designed for you!

Attend this workshop to:
gain information about components of a middle school schedule
look at a variety of schedule types
think about the pluses and minuses of your current schedule
take time to identify your school's non-negotiables
identify priorities
share challenges and solutions with colleagues
begin the work of revitalizing your schedule
For more information about these workshops please click here.

 

Annual Conference Raffle Winners

Congratulations to Ms. Christine Scilingo, Norton Middle School, Norton, MA and Ms. Kristen Sturtevant, Rochester Middle School, Rochester, NH - the winners of the 2015 AC Raffle. They each will receive a two day registration to next year's 35th Annual Conference.

 

From our sponsors & partners

Plymouth State University is registering a new cohort beginning
July 9 & 10 at Summer NELMS in Portsmouth, NH.

 

 

Summer NELMS
Portsmouth, NH
July 9 & 10, 2015
To learn more
click here


Summer Literacy Series with
Keys to Literacy

Rowley, MA
July 27—30, 2015
To learn more
click here


Scholar Leader Dinners
Through
May & June
To learn more
click here

Join us on Facebook and Twitter

facebook logo


 

You are currently subscribed to nelms as: gary@hackscience.net
Add nelms@nelms.org to your email address book to ensure delivery
Forward to a Friend  |  Manage Subscription  |   Subscribe  |   Unsubscribe
Net Atlantic

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Fwd: Nominations for the Scholar Leader Dinner just over 4 weeks away!



-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.


Begin forwarded message:

From: nelms@nelms.org
Date: April 9, 2015 at 12:00:32 PM EDT
To: "Dr. Gary L. Ackerman" <gary@hackscience.net>
Subject: Nominations for the Scholar Leader Dinner just over 4 weeks away!
Reply-To: NELMS <nelms@nelms.org>

2015 Vermont Scholar Leader Info

Monday, April 6, 2015

Fwd: Next up: Scholar Leader Dinner



-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.


Begin forwarded message:

From: "Sue Gee" <director@vamle.org>
Date: April 6, 2015 at 7:00:15 AM EDT
To: "Schoolwires Alert Recipients" <alertrecipients@schoolwires.com>
Subject: Next up: Scholar Leader Dinner

Happy Spring!

VAMLE is pleased to report that the 3rd Annual Conference, Beyond Bullying II, on March 10 was a huge success! 38 school teams participated in workshops focusing on strategies for creating a culture of respect and inclusion, and all teams created an Action Plan for change. The keynote performance by Lida Winfield, In Search of Air: Growing Up Dyslexic, was inspiring, and very well received by an audience of 245. The promotion of student voice is a goal of this conference, we were thrilled to have many student presenters facilitating and leading workshops. Thanks to everyone who made this event possible, including The Middle Grades Collaborative, Special Olympics Vermont, A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE Institute, and Ben and Jerry's Foundation. We are looking forward to 2016 and will be posting the date very soon.

An article in KidsVt.com highlighted Lida Winfield's performance at the conference.
 
Next up: Scholar Leader Dinner on June 3 at Norwich University This will be the 18th Annual Scholar Leader Dinner, jointly sponsored by VAMLE and the New England League of Middle Schools. All schools with grades 5-8 are encouraged to recognize outstanding students. Two middle level students from each participating school will be honored and each will receive a plaque and a photograph. The nomination criteria have been sent to your school, and reservations are due back to NELMS by May 12. Space is limited, so please register soon. For more information: http://www.nelms.org/
 
The 22nd Middle Grades Summer Institute will be held at Vermont Technical College, June 22-26, 2015. With Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs) mandated for all Vermont middle and high schools starting this fall, the institute will model the development of a PLP in each participant's strand. Participants take only one strand per institute, with the first four applicable to earning the Vermont middle grades endorsement. Accommodations are available for the week at VTC, a top-of-the-world place to meet teachers from all over the state and unwind from the school year while learning in an environment exemplifying best practices for middle level programs. Information and the brochure are available at http://www.middlegradesinstitute.org/
 
Nominations are open for the 2015 VT Teacher of the Year. Recognize an outstanding teacher in your school! The deadline for submitting a nomination is April 10. For more information, contact Rebecca Plude at rebecca.plude@state.vt.us 
 
A small group from Vermont joined educators from the other 5 New England states for two days of professional development sessions in Providence, R.I. on March 23-24 at the NELMS Conference. For more information about this for 2016 and upcoming professional development: http://www.nelms.org/ 
 
Remember to "like" VermontAssociationforMIddleLevelEducation on Facebook. "Follow" vamle on Twitter.
 
 

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Fwd: Thanks to all who attended the NELMS AC



-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.


Begin forwarded message:

From: nelms@nelms.org
Date: April 1, 2015 at 10:42:47 AM EDT
To: "Dr. Gary L. Ackerman" <gary@hackscience.net>
Subject: Thanks to all who attended the NELMS AC
Reply-To: NELMS <nelms@nelms.org>

April 1, 2015 Blast E-mail
nelms logo

Thanks to everyone who attended the 2015 NELMS Annual Conference! It wouldn't happen without you.


NELMS clothes available for a limited time

image of wizard patch
 

Did you see the great NELMS branded clothing at the 34th Annual Conference? Did you know that you can bring the "Magic in the Middle" back to your school by ordering your own fleece jacket, fleece vest, microfleece vest or polo shirt? From now until April 5th, you can order your own "Magic Wear!"

Just go to https://nelms.itemorder.com/sale

and place your order today. Orders will be shipped after April 15th. If you have questions about sizes, please feel free to contact Collins Sports at sales@collinssports.net.


Scholar Leader Awards 2015

This program is intended to give public recognition to two students from each middle level school in your state who have distinguished themselves in terms of outstanding scholarship and leadership. The selection of these two students, who are being recognized as representatives of all young adolescents who might qualify, will be the responsibility of each school, in accordance with the Selection Criteria accompanying this announcement.

The students selected, along with their guests, will be invited to attend the statewide Awards Banquet. The Governor, the Commissioner of Education, and other dignitaries will be invited. Each student will receive a plaque with his or her name on it signifying the honor. A photograph of the Scholar Leader receiving the award will also be given to each of the students.
Click here
for more information about this very popular program.

 

NELMS Middle Level Scheduling Workshops

ARE YOU…
Challenged by your schedule?
Looking for ways to create a schedule that "works" for your particular school?
Then NELMS Scheduling Workshops are designed for you!

Attend this workshop to:
gain information about components of a middle school schedule
look at a variety of schedule types
think about the pluses and minuses of your current schedule
take time to identify your school's non-negotiables
identify priorities
share challenges and solutions with colleagues
begin the work of revitalizing your schedule

April 9, 2015–East Lyme Middle School, Niantic, CT
For more information about these workshops and/or to register please click here.

 

Employment Opportunity

Principal: CT middle school. Required: Administrative experience, as well as strong communications, interpersonal and instructional leadership skills. Deadline: April 17, 2015.
Apply at: http://www.applitrack.com/norwalk/onlineapp/default.aspx

 

From our sponsors & partners

Plymouth State University is registering a new cohort beginning
July 9 & 10 at Summer NELMS in Portsmouth, NH.

 

 

Summer NELMS
Portsmouth, NH
July 9 & 10, 2015
To learn more
click here


Scholar Leader Dinners
Through
May & June
To learn more
click here

Join us on Facebook and Twitter

facebook logo


 

You are currently subscribed to nelms as: gary@hackscience.net
Add nelms@nelms.org to your email address book to ensure delivery
Forward to a Friend  |  Manage Subscription  |   Subscribe  |   Unsubscribe
Net Atlantic

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

A reaction to "The Deconstruction of the K-12 Teacher"

“The Deconstruction of the K-12 Teacher” has been finding its way into my digital devices from a variety of sources in recent days. If you haven’t seen it yet, it is an insightful essay by Michael Godsey that appeared on The Atlantic’s site  (http://t.co/F0RJhFCHfV).

I think I am accurately summarizing of Godsey’s article: He describes the changing landscape of teaching, learning, and schooling and illustrates the changes with examples of strategies and digital tools that are influencing educators’ work. My career appears to have paralleled Godsey’s, and I can confirm the devices foisted on him as an English teacher have been foisted on me as a science and math teacher who joined the dark side of educational technology.

Godsey appears to have captured the landscape well; the work of dispensing information is being transferred from educator to technology. Today’s educators have access to amazing and previously unimaginable sources of information, and we can leverage those to our needs. (The recent allegations notwithstanding, I used Walter Lewin’s lectures when I last taught physics because he was a far better lecturer than I am.) Godsey uses the familiar “sage-on-the-stage” to “guide-on-the-side” metaphor to illustrate the changing nature of teaching.

I would share Godsey’s apparently cynical outlook on the future of our profession (indeed my colleagues would confirm my cynicism has equaled and exceeded his at times), were it not for the fact that many of the initiatives he references have failed. Online learning is probably the premier example. Despite much rhetoric, it still appears to be a largely marginalized endeavor, and students’ reactions to online learning experiences are the embodiment of ambivalence.

When I encounter a student who demonstrates this ambivalence, I try to engage him or her in conversation about the experience. These informal conversations typically focus on the fact that there was no personal connection with the teachers, and that contributed to a lack of motivation and engagement they felt. Without that engagement, the most wonderful online lecture cannot be an educative experience.

The un-engaging nature of much online learning can be attributed to the largely absent sense of community and culture. Being together and sharing stories, feedback, and informal advice are all part of becoming educated in the culture of the subject that is learned in school. It is through this (formal and informal) social interaction that we learn the essential lessons of our educated society.

I have searched in vain to find the article I read at some point in the last couple of years that added “mentor-in-the-middle” to the emerging roles of educators. The model seems to be a far more accurate summary of the future role of educators than the familiar “sage” or “guide.” Consider the relationship between graduate faculty and graduate student: As mentors, faculty help students identify relevant and important problems, they help them define and articulate and gather data to address the problems, and they facilitate groups of students to critique and improve each other’s work. These are the important roles of teachers in the 21st century landscape of infinite credible information.

As I read Godsey, I see another theme, and it is more distressing. Educators—Godsey and me along with our experienced and knowledgeable colleagues—are being replaced as the experts on teaching and learning. I can understand the politician, philanthropist, and businessperson who can gain political and public relations credibility and using his or her “expertiness” (with apologies to Stephen Colbert and his writers) to advocate for “school improvement”. I cannot understand the educational “leaders” who ignore what they learned in their educational research and learning science courses about data and learners as they allow destructive practices and dubious advocates to gain access to their communities.

I am hopeful that Godsey’s article motivates educators to accept greater role in defining the future of their professional. Actually, that is not my hope.

Educators must demand that we craft education that reconciles our past history as dispensers of information with the new need for students who gain wisdom as consumers of information and more importantly as creators of knowledge and wisdom.
 


Monday, March 23, 2015

Twitter feed from NELMS 34

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Fwd: Annual Conference Early Registration Extended



-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.


Begin forwarded message:

From: nelms@nelms.org
Date: March 5, 2015 at 9:42:45 AM EST
To: "Dr. Gary L. Ackerman" <gary@hackscience.net>
Subject: Annual Conference Early Registration Extended
Reply-To: NELMS <nelms@nelms.org>

March 5, 2015 Blast E-mail
nelms logo

Massachusetts Conflict Avoided

You may be able to attend the Annual Conference after all

DESE has given school districts the option of moving MCAS testing. Check with your district. If there is no conflict click here to register for the Annual Conference.

 

Snowmageddon Update

Because of the resultant problems caused by the overwhelming amount of snow the region has received early registration rates for the NELMS Annual Conference have been extended until 3/12/15.

 

Annual Conference Program Book and Grad Credit Syllabus Online

The AC program book is off to the printer but you don't have to wait to look up all the great sessions being offered. If you are a graduate student going to the conference the grad credit syllabus is ready to dowload. Click here for your copy of the program book and/or the syllabus.

 

The Annual Conference is almost here
Have you registered?
Check out the list of sessions, descriptions, & strands

March 23 & 24, 2015
RI Convention Center
Providence, RI

Want to see a list of sessions and descriptions before you register? Click here for a pdf of sessions, descriptions, and related strands.

Thinking of coming to the conference and wondering who will be the keynotes?
Kim Campbell and Rick Wormeli will give the keynotes and speak at the ticketed luncheons.
Click here to see a YouTube video of Kim Campbell in action: Motivating the Middle!

Click here to see a YouTube video of Rick Wormeli on Standards Based Grading and Assessment.

Remember early registration only sgoes until March 5 so register soon to reserve your place.
For more information please click here.

Hope to see you there.

 

Coming to the Annual Conference?
Book your room now!

The Omni Hotel has a limited block of rooms reserved for Annual Conference attendees. Our block of rooms won't last much longer so reserve your's today.
Click here to make a reservation.


Scholar Leader Awards 2015

This program is intended to give public recognition to two students from each middle level school in your state who have distinguished themselves in terms of outstanding scholarship and leadership. The selection of these two students, who are being recognized as representatives of all young adolescents who might qualify, will be the responsibility of each school, in accordance with the Selection Criteria accompanying this announcement.

The students selected, along with their guests, will be invited to attend the statewide Awards Banquet. The Governor, the Commissioner of Education, and other dignitaries will be invited. Each student will receive a plaque with his or her name on it signifying the honor. A photograph of the Scholar Leader receiving the award will also be given to each of the students.
Click here
for more information about this very popular program.

 

NELMS Middle Level Scheduling Workshops

ARE YOU…
Challenged by your schedule?
Looking for ways to create a schedule that "works" for your particular school?
Then NELMS Scheduling Workshops are designed for you!

Attend this workshop to:
gain information about components of a middle school schedule
look at a variety of schedule types
think about the pluses and minuses of your current schedule
take time to identify your school's non-negotiables
identify priorities
share challenges and solutions with colleagues
begin the work of revitalizing your schedule

April 9, 2015–East Lyme Middle School, Niantic, CT
For more information about these workshops and/or to register please click here.

 

scan of wizardNELMS Branded Clothing

For the Annual Conference this year the NELMS theme was "Magic in the Middle". Now you can own a bit of 'magic' with the purchase of a tee shirt, polo shirt, or fleece jacket with "Magic in the Middle" sewn on.
Click here to go to the NELMS bookstore and check out the styles.

 

From our sponsors & partners

VAMLE Annual Conference coming up

VAMLE Annual Conference is on March 10. If you would like more information please click here.

renaissance logo

Join your colleagues at this complimentary forum on K12 Assessment at the classroom level.

The Many Forms of Formative Assessment

This forum's presenter, Dr. Gene Kerns, observes that, while our nation focuses on standardized testing, there is growing concern about the absence of formative assessment at the classroom level. According to Dr. Rick Stiggins, founder of Assessment Training Institute, "Because the standardized testing light has been shining so brilliantly in our eyes, we haven't seen past it to another application of assessment in schools that promises even greater impact on student learning. This is the classroom level of assessment. We have neglected to put into place day-to-day classroom assessment practices that set both teachers and students up for success, and that's a crisis."
For more information please click here for a pdf.

 

 

34th Annual Conference
Providence, RI
March 23 & 24, 2015
To learn more
click here

Join us on Facebook and Twitter

facebook logo


 

You are currently subscribed to nelms as: gary@hackscience.net
Add nelms@nelms.org to your email address book to ensure delivery
Forward to a Friend  |  Manage Subscription  |   Subscribe  |   Unsubscribe
Net Atlantic

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Fwd: Annual Conference Keynotes - Kim Campbell and Rick Wormeli



-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.


Begin forwarded message:

From: nelms@nelms.org
Date: January 8, 2015 at 8:58:54 AM EST
To: "Dr. Gary L. Ackerman" <gary@hackscience.net>
Subject: Annual Conference Keynotes - Kim Campbell and Rick Wormeli
Reply-To: NELMS <nelms@nelms.org>

January 8, 2015 Blast E-mail
nelms logo

What's planned for the Annual Conference?
Kim Campbell and Rick Wormeli are the keynote speakers

March 24 & 25, 2015
RI Convention Center
Providence, RI

Thinking of coming to the conference and wondering what will be offered? Kim Campbell and Rick Wormeli will give the keynotes and speak at the ticketed luncheons.
Click here to see a YouTube video of Kim Campbell in action: Motivating the Middle!

Click here to see a YouTube video of Rick Wormeli on Standards Based Grading and Assessment.

Remember early registration only goes until March 5 so register soon to reserve your place.
For more information please click here.

Hope to see you there.

 

Save the Date!
Scholar Leader Awards 2015

Click here for more information about this very popular program.

 

NELMS Middle Level Scheduling Workshops

ARE YOU�
Challenged by your schedule?
Looking for ways to create a schedule that "works" for your particular school?
Then NELMS Scheduling Workshops are designed for you!

Attend this workshop to:
gain information about components of a middle school schedule
look at a variety of schedule types
think about the pluses and minuses of your current schedule
take time to identify your school's non-negotiables
identify priorities
share challenges and solutions with colleagues
begin the work of revitalizing your schedule

January 23, 2015�Medomak Middle School, Waldoboro, ME

February 6, 2015�Essex Middle School, Essex Junction, VT

April 9, 2015�East Lyme Middle School, Niantic, CT
For more information about these workshops and/or to register please click here.

 

scan of wizardNELMS Branded Clothing

For the Annual Conference this year the NELMS theme was "Magic in the Middle". Now you can own a bit of 'magic' with the purchase of a tee shirt, polo shirt, or fleece jacket with "Magic in the Middle" sewn on.
Click here to go to the NELMS bookstore and check out the styles.

 

 

 

34th Annual Conference
Providence, RI
March 23 & 24, 2015
To learn more
click here

Join us on Facebook and Twitter

facebook logo


 

You are currently subscribed to nelms as: gary@hackscience.net
Add nelms@nelms.org to your email address book to ensure delivery
Forward to a Friend  |  Manage Subscription  |   Subscribe  |   Unsubscribe
Net Atlantic

Thursday, January 1, 2015

On assessment


Michael B. Horn, who is associated with the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation posted this blog entry focusing on testing:


I finally found time to compose my response:


When faced with a malfunctioning system that comprises Cisco devices, I would be grateful for the assistance of one who had passed Cisco’s assessments. I am convinced he or she would have the expertise needed to solve the problems.

I am equally convinced that there are many jobs that require skills and knowledge that cannot be measured in a meaningful way with tests such as I understand are included in the Cisco Networking Academy assessments.

As an educator, I encounter more “wicked” problems than I do tame problems. The wicked problems I encounter are complex and arise from many interconnect and frequently contradictory (and often unknown) causes. If the causes are identified, they are likely to change before a solution can be identified; and in many cases, there is no consensus surrounding the causes (or even existence of the problem) and different people judge the solution differently.

My children are now adults (one has begun his career in management, the other is finishing his undergraduate studies and working and interning in his field of study), and I talk with them about the problems they encounter in their professional lives.  Their experiences confirm my own: The information we can test is a minor part of the knowledge and skill they need and use daily.


It is impossible to quantify with in a valid and reliable manner to what extent testable skills are necessary in work, and of course the answer depends on the nature of the job. I do know that flexibility to manage and solve wicked problems is a common demand placed on my children and me in our professional lives. I hope we keep that in mind as we define what it means to be educated and how we figure out who is educated. If I had to predict, I think we (and our students and their future employers) would be disappointed of we rely solely on Cisco’s model.