Final propsal paper

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Arapahoe Community College *

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121

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Arts Humanities

Date

Feb 20, 2024

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pdf

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7

Uploaded by LieutenantCobra2061

Kajander 1 Revitalizing Education: A Proposal for School System Reform In recent years, there are numerous debates around the American education system. One of the largest issues confronting modern education is the outdated curricula. It is becoming increasingly evident that the American education system needs to undergo change to match the fast-changing society we live in. The current school system prioritized memorization over critical thinking and other life- long skills. “Test culture” also compels students to focus on test - ready skills. This supports a one-size-fits-all mentality, neglecting the diverse learning styles and strengths of individual students. Moreover, the poor schooling system has led to students being unengaged and lacking care for their education. This proposal argues for a fundamental shift in the way we approach education by: 1) redefining curriculum by adding performance-based assessments in replace of standardized testing and 2) cultivating a lifelong learning culture. The American school system we use was established in the 19 th century and was designed to meet the needs for an industrializing nation. Standardized curriculum, categorizing individual subjects, and a “hierarchical” system were the primary focuses when designing the schooling system (Modi). However, these no longer align with the diverse learning styles, technological advancements, and fast-paced world of today. This system hides student's talents in creativity and hinders the development of critical thinking skills. The “industrial -age mode l” neglects individualized needs of students and falls short in teaching skills that are required for success. Because of these outdated schooling systems, many students have reported that they are no longer interested in their own education (McMurtrie). Declined interest not only affects students, but also affects teachers, as students become more disrespectful or distracted. Decline in students' engagement with education can be attributed to a variety of factors. High school students often find themselves disengaged and unmotivated due to a perceived lack of support in
Kajander 2 their schools, a sense of merely going through the motions, or experiencing burnout due to the content they are learning having no real-world relevance or application. Addressing these concerns can create an educational environment that not only teaches students valuable skills and lessons, but also keeps them engaged. First, doing away with standardized testing and implementing performance-based assessments can provide alternative means to test a student's knowledge, skills, and abilities. These assessments provide students with the ability to actively demonstrate their understanding and apply their knowledge to real-world contexts. Redefining the curriculum to emphasize critical thinking empowers students to be independent thinkers. This adjustment not only improves academic performance but also equips students with essential skills for lifelong learning and success. To implement this, instead of treating critical thinking as a separate subject, integrate in various contexts. This can be done by collaborating with teachers and educators to find opportunities within existing subjects where performance-based assessment can be added. In a study done by “Kentucky Instructional Results System” they assessed students' progress through a combination of different testing styles, and nearly 90 percent of principals and 77 percent of teachers reported that the performance assessment was useful for judging the effectiveness of schools (Stanford SRN). Performance-based assessments can also come in many forms. Presentations, group or solo projects, portfolios, debates, performances, and exhibits or fairs are all examples of performance assessments. The important part is that it requires students to demonstrate or apply their knowledge, skills, and strategies by creating a response, project, or doing a task. The versatility of these assessments means that it can cater towards different learning styles. Giving students the power to select which way they want to demonstrate their knowledge not only
Kajander 3 allows them to work at their best and truly learn the content, but it also helps students feel better about themselves in school. This shift is already being seen in many schools around the country, and colleges have started focusing less on standardized testing scores when accepting applications. A recent study done by the “ National Center for Fair & Open Testing ” shows that 80% of 4-year colleges are making ACT/SAT-optimal or test-blind/score-free policies. While some colleges may still require you to have good grades or a high GPA, they are also focusing on what makes a person unique, such as extracurricular activities and passion projects (Nietzel). However, the implementation of performance-based assessments and the complete do- away with standardized testing requires a strategic approach in order to take into account the different characteristics and needs of each community. Advocacy efforts and research demonstrating the limitations of standardized testing, and successful examples of other assessments, could contribute to a shift in policymaking. While complete elimination may face challenges, a well-planned and phased approach could pave the way to a better education for all. Offering training for teachers is a crucial piece to provide them with the skills and knowledge required to design, implement, and evaluate these assessments. Performance-based assessments may not be suited for students who do not feel overly creative or willing to present their knowledge in front of a group. Some students may excel in traditional testing formats that focus on written or verbal expression rather than through creative or public means. It's important for teachers to recognize and accommodate diverse learning styles, offering alternative assessment methods that allow students to demonstrate their understanding in ways that align with their strengths. This could include a combination of
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