Christopher Tienken - The School Reform Landscape

Christopher Tienken discusses the current landscape of school reform, focusing on the issues of standardization and centralization in US public education. He traces these trends back to the launch of Sputnik and critiques the rationale of global competitiveness used by policymakers. Tienken argues that international test rankings are misleading due to non-representative samples and highlights the need for education to focus on 21st-century skills like creativity and innovation. He emphasizes the importance of a holistic education that prepares students for democracy and global success.

What historical event does Christopher Tienken associate with the beginning of the push for standardization in US education?

• The launch of Sputnik

• The end of World War II

• The Civil Rights Movement

• The fall of the Berlin Wall

According to Tienken, what is a common misconception about the US's global competitiveness?

• The US is losing its competitive edge

• The US is leading in global sports

• The US has the most diverse culture

• The US is the largest country by area

What is a major issue with international test rankings like PISA, as highlighted by Tienken?

• They are too expensive to conduct

• They do not compare equivalent samples

• They focus solely on science subjects

• They are only conducted in English

Which city in China is often mistakenly used to represent the entire country in PISA rankings?

• Beijing

• Shanghai

• Guangzhou

• Shenzhen

What factor does Tienken mention as affecting the US's performance on international tests?

• High poverty rates

• Lack of technology

• Poor infrastructure

• Insufficient teachers

What type of skills does Tienken believe education policy should focus on for the future?

• Physical strength and endurance

• Memorization and repetition

• Historical knowledge

• Creativity and innovation

According to Tienken, what role should public schools play in society?

• Institutions for religious education

• Facilities for sports training

• Centers for economic growth

• Incubators of democracy