This teacher had a terrible class. She had one student in particular who was impossible and who didn’t want to learn. But then the teacher started telling a story about Ben Franklin, and Ruby was hooked.
What changed Ruby? What was the a-ha moment? Can the state measure what Ruby learned? Can they find a way to measure what the teacher did? Will the Gates Foundation videotape it and show it to others? Is there a rubric for that moment?
The teacher never forgot what her department chair told her:
“But if we spend all this time preparing them for a test, when will they ever have the chance to just appreciate something beautiful?”
Ruby found something that was beautiful to her. Can it be standardized?
Diane Ravitch's blog 
I’m reading Dune right now. I found a section that explains why the “reformers” will never change their tunes in spite of all evidence:
The Baron could not keep the sly tone of admiration out of his voice. “Ah, Hawat, you are a devious one. Now, how do we move into Arrakis and make use of what Rabban prepares?”
“That’s the simplest thing of all, Baron. If you set each year’s quota a bit higher than the one before, matters will soon reach a head there. Production will drop off. You can remove Rabban and take over yourself…to correct the mess.”
LikeLike
great insight. Set up to fail. Creates entrepreneurial opportunity.
LikeLike
I am beyond flattered that you, who I admire so much, blogged about little old me! That’s crazy! And I think you already know my answer to your question: a big, fat NO.
: )
LikeLike
Nothing in this world that is beautiful and miraculous has been “standard.” in fact, it is that very uniqueness that makes it such an amazing thing. Teaching is full of beautiful and miraculous moments that can’t be packaged into a standardized box. I am curious if Arne Duncan would recall his public education as run-of-the-mill or standard. Why is that the type of education given to our kids?
LikeLike
[…] the most awesome thing happened. Diane Ravitch, THE Diane Ravitch, blogged about ME. Crazy no? It was about this post. And she asks some important questions and of course does […]
LikeLike
There is nothing that can test what happened to Ruby.
LikeLike
Every year with students I have used this quote at the beginning of the year as well as during the year: “An artist is not a special kind of person. Rather every person is a special kind of artist.”-Meister Eckhart. Teaching is about that. Not testing.
LikeLike