[Winona Online Democracy] Some comments on the Kansas Test--- Recently a group of local business leaders suggested that even though the basics are important what they often find lacking in employees are capacities in collaboration and communication. I think the Kansas test causes us to reflect that culturally we might not know as much as what was expected 100 years ago in those areas. Also, we have to wonder how these items were taught to(memorized or for application)? There's a classic story told by John Dewey of hearing that a class had study geology- so he asked an application type question about the condition of the earth's core.. He had no replies and the teacher explain he just didn't ask the right question.. the kids know the answer is igneous fusion if they're asked what the state of the center of the earth? Whitehead calls this inert knowledge. Much of what is reflected in the Kansas test is the "lone learner" yet today according to Winona business leaders much more is expected to be done by teams. No one person holds the answer and teams form to solve problems, learn, and create new opportunities for companies. I think we have to be clear on the difference between the "basics" as set forth in the Kansas test and the social nature of learning that allows for the collaboration and communication that the business community is calling for today and is at the heart of good citizenship too. Seeing we're going back in time-I'd like to share the idea of a well educated person offered by Cardinal Newman 150 years ago A good education "gives a person a clear, conscious view of his opinions, and judgments, a truth in developing them, an eloquence in expressing them, and a force in urging them. It teaches the person to see things as they are, to go right to the point, to disentangle a skein of thought, to detect what is sophisticated, and to discard what is irrelevant. The person knows when to speak and when to be silent; is able to converse, listen, and can ask a question pertinently and gain a lesson when he/she has nothing to impart." Schools face some big challenges and we all need to work together. There's lots to be explored in how Winona's youth best reach our visions for their learning and maintain a love of learning throughout life. Randy Schenkat 1419 Conrad Dr. Winona,MN 55987 507-452-7168 ---------------- This message was posted to the Winona Online Democracy Project. Please visit http://onlinedemocracy.winona.org to subscribe or unsubscribe. Please sign all messages posted to this list with your actual name. Posting of commercial solicitations is not allowed on this list. Report problems to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
