At the Core - NNSTOY Conference in Philly

After Washington, D.C., I attended the NNSTOY (National Network of State Teachers of the Year) Conference in Philadelphia July 9-12.  The theme was "At the Core" where we heard from Cagebusting Leader/Cagebusting Teacher author Rick Hess, Charlotte Danielson (Qualities of Effective Teaching), Angela Duckworth (the importance of non-cognitve skills), and US Secretary of Education Arnie Duncan.  It was a time to discuss issues in education policy, learn about improving teaching practices, and be stirred on towards advocacy in order to improve the profession and strengthen student learning across the nation.  On Day 1 we had options for community service - including Philabundance Hunger Relief Center, Cradles to Crayons, and the Philadelphia Zoo.  My group worked at Cradles to Crayons - an organization that provides clothing and supplies to needy children around the area.  Here's a view of the important role this organization plays in Pennsylvania:

 

MY BIG TAKE AWAY:  The importance of non-cognitive skills in our schools resonated with me throughout this conference.  As educators, we are reminded not to lose the creative and innovative side of education.  If we consider the most recent research cited in the book by Yong Zhao entitled Catching Up or Leading the Way – American Education in the Age of Globalization, we find that places like Singapore and Korea, top performers on International assessments are sending their students to America to learn to “think outside the box” - to learn creativity. They realize that cognitive knowledge does not transfer into the innovators needed in today’s 21st Century world.  As we focus on testing, let’s not lose the creative side of education – those who are the future artists, designers, musicians, discoverers, and explorers – who may or may not perform well on cognitive tests but need a place where their talents are encouraged, appreciated, and celebrated.  When celebrating human achievement, let’s remember to celebrate our future plumbers, electricians, welders, and CNAs by also emphasizing the non-cognitive skills that will determine career readiness.  According to research, these skills are actually a better determination of future success than any standardized test.  As educators, let’s make the culture of our school one that celebrates the diverse learning interests and backgrounds of all students.  We need accountability but in the process we must not lose the creative side that makes our American system of education unique in this world.  We are reminded of this through Albert Einstein’s saying:  “Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.”