Horizon Issues 12. Standards and Tests Return to Issues List The current trend toward tougher standards and tests will speed up and grow more serious as states start connecting salaries to data. New technologies will be used to shine the spotlight on individual teachers and political forces will call for pay for performance. Standards will continue to require both higher level thinking and extensive knowledge of content. The challenge of addressing both will become a major focus of schools. In some schools there will be a shift toward more customized learning to replace "carpet bombing." Teachers will spend less time in large, impersonal classes delivering large group lessons and will spend more time in tutorials with carefully "targeted" needs. Learning More Do a search at Electric Library and read at least 2 articles that cast light on this trend or issue. Possible search questions: In what ways are state curriculum standards changing schools? "high stakes" AND testing Visit and read through several of the following: HIGH-STAKES TESTING FAILS TO IMPROVE STUDENT LEARNING High-stakes testing: Will it pass or fail? State Departments of Education/Curriculum Standards Why Testing Experts Hate Testing Area Students Find Themselves in New Age of Tests Without Clocks Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the issues pages are those of the author, Jamie McKenzie. They are meant to stimulate thought and inquiry about issues and trends, but they do contain some speculation and projection about the future. The author cannot be held responsible if some predictions and trends do not materialize or continue, especially if readers attempt to reverse some of the more disturbing trends. Listing of articles to read should not be interpreted as endorsement of the contents, products or ideas by the author. Credits: The photographs were shot by Jamie McKenzie. Copyright Policy: Materials published in From Now On may be duplicated in hard copy format for educational, nonprofit school district and university use only and may also be sent from person to person by e-mail. All other uses, transmissions and duplications are prohibited unless permission is granted expressly.