2012 Predictions: What we'll learn about teaching, learning, and assessing this year

We can't use the corporate model in education: we don’t choose our raw materials, extrude them to precise specifications, and discard the leftovers.
We can cultivate the students we receive and maximize the quality outcomes for every learner.

We can't continue to narrow the curriculum and teach only to test-based content.
We can embrace the whole child and nurture all aspects of their development.

We can't mandate that every student achieves at the very highest level of proficiency.
We can expect demonstrated growth in all learners across all curriculum and classrooms.

We can't regard assessment as the dessert after the meal.
We can integrate assessment seamlessly into the multiple layers of the learning genoise.

We can't continue to emphasize looking good on a once a year test.
We can ask students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills on daily assessments of learning.

We can't use assessment to reward only a few fortunate teachers.
We can use assessment to the improve all teaching and learning.

All teachers don't teach testable subjects.
All teachers focus on helping students grow and learn and be critical consumers of burgeoning knowledge.