Ron Berger - The Quality of Student Work

Ron Berger, chief academic officer for EL Education, discusses the importance of focusing on the quality of student work rather than standardized test scores. He emphasizes creating meaningful, beautiful work across various disciplines and shares examples of impactful student projects. Berger highlights the success of schools in low-income communities where students achieve high graduation and college acceptance rates. His work aims to inspire schools nationwide to adopt this approach, fostering a sense of mission and contribution among students.

What is the primary focus of EL Education according to Ron Berger?

• Standardized test scores

• Quality of student work

• School infrastructure

• Teacher evaluations

How does Ron Berger define 'beautiful work'?

• Work that is aesthetically pleasing

• Work that is mathematically accurate

• Work that is meaningful and impactful across various fields

• Work that is completed quickly

What did students in Dubuque, Iowa, do to honor World War II veterans?

• Organized a parade

• Created a documentary film

• Published a book of oral histories

• Built a memorial

Which community did students in Portland, Maine, focus on for their project?

• Environmental activists

• Healthcare workers

• Civil rights movement heroes

• Local artists

What was the goal of the student project in Chicago?

• To promote local businesses

• To create a day of peace and end gun violence

• To improve school facilities

• To organize a city-wide sports event

What impact did meaningful work have on students in low-income communities?

• Increased dropout rates

• Higher college acceptance rates

• Lower academic performance

• Decreased community involvement

What is Ron Berger's current focus in his educational work?

• Building new schools

• Developing new teaching methods

• Spreading the idea of meaningful student work

• Improving standardized testing