The greatest obstacle to those who hope to reform American education is complacency.
Diane RavitchRead
Sometimes the most brilliant and intelligent minds do not shine in standardized tests because they do not have standardized minds.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Standardized tests may not accurately reflect the intelligence and brilliance of unconventional thinkers.
This quote by Diane Ravitch highlights the limitations of standardized testing as a measure of intelligence. It suggests that conventional assessments fail to recognize the diverse ways in which creativity and brilliance can manifest, as some of the most intelligent individuals may think outside the norms that these tests represent.
Themes
IntelligenceStandardized TestsCreativityBrillianceEducation
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about the limitations of educational assessments, this quote can be used to emphasize the value of diverse thinking.
More from Diane Ravitch
All quotes βTeachers' working conditions are students' learning conditions
Diane RavitchRead
What should we think of someone who never admits error, never entertains doubt but adheres unflinchingly to the same ideas all his life, regardless of new evidence? Doubt and skepticism are signs of rationality. When we are too certain of our opinions, we run the risk of ignoring any evidence that conflicts with our views. It is doubt that shows we are still thinking, still willing to reexamine hardened beliefs when confronted with new facts and new evidence.
Diane RavitchRead
Can teachers successfully educate children to think for themselves if teachers are not treated as professionals who think for themselves?
Diane RavitchRead
Unless the schools provide our children with a vision of human possibility that enlightens and empowers them with knowledge and taste, they will simply play their role in someone else's marketing schemes. Unless they understand deeply the sources of our democracy, they will take it for granted and fail to exercise their rights and responsibilities.
Diane RavitchRead
Without knowledge and understanding, one tends to become a passive spectator rather than an active participant in the great decisions of our time.
Diane RavitchRead
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