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 are the limitations of international tests like PISA in comparing educational outcomes?

What skills does the speaker believe should be prioritized in education for the 21st century?

How does the speaker differentiate between preparing students for the future versus training them for employment?