Hello colleagues, I found the recent ASCD’s Policy Points publication http://www.ascd.org/ASCD/pdf/siteASCD/publications/policypoints/Test-Scores-Economic-Performance-Aug-14.pdf to be interesting. This brief shows the relatively poor performance of US students as compared with those in other nations is not correlated with national economic outcomes. In other words, despite the fact that other countries do better on these international assessments, -- and despite the concerns we often hear about such results -- test performance is not reflected in the success of the US economy on the whole.
“International scholar … Yong Zhao points out, such tests assess cognitive skills but fail to fully capture the knowledge and traits that are crucial to creativity and entrepreneurship. ‘Confidence, resilience, grit, mind-set, personality traits, social skills, and motivation have been found to be at least as important as cognitive skills in the workplace,’ Zhao explains. Moreover, an overreliance on international test rankings ignores the multitude of cultural, political, and societal factors that also influence economic performance.”
Clearly the economic performance of a nation is due to a multitude of factors. As an educator, my concern is more about the impact on individuals who need basic skills rather than on the nation as a whole. Nevertheless, this is an interesting issue, especially in light of the recent PIAAC results. What comments come to mind for you?
Cheers, Susan
Moderator, Assessment CoP