Every 3rd Friday, guest speaker(s)/moderator(s) will present a topic for consideration and exploration. All subjects and approaches to conversation are invited, from traditional lectures, talks, slide shows to experiential learning involving the audience in active participation.
November’s topic: Portrait of a Graduate
In the 1990s, the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) was adopted, and passing it became a requirement for getting a high school diploma. Last year, voters said it was time for MCAS to go as a graduation requirement. The idea that any single high-stakes test adequately and fairly measures students’ knowledge, skills, and abilities was rejected.
What, then, should be the criteria for a high school student to receive a diploma?
LAVA’s next Theater of Ideas, on November 21st at 6 pm will be focused on creating a Portrait of a Graduate from schools in our region. What do we want/hope our young people will take with them as they move on from our school systems? What is a fair and more importantly useful way to assess their readiness to earn a diploma and take their place in adult society?
When we consider the wide range of ways humans learn, the ways people are often gifted in some ways and challenged in others, and the variations in life circumstances and experiences that shape not only our learning but how we express it, can there be one portrait of a graduate that includes and supports all learners? What would that mean for how we approach teaching and learning? Join education columnist Doug Selwyn in an interactive exploration of these questions.
For more information, contact Jan Maher, jan@localaccess.org.
