Learning is not a passive experience. At the core of the great schools idea is the expectation that educators will engage all students, with the understanding that all students can learn.

Educators - as well as parents, elected officials, and supporters in the community - are preparing students for the next stage in their lives, not simply creating test-taking robots. As a result, we must ensure that high-stakes testing does not crowd out arts, music and other areas that motivate students and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Measuring education results solely on a single measure such as test scores creates an environment that encourages simply teaching to the test. Students and school progress should be evaluated based on multiple measures, such as:

• Teacher retention rates;
• Graduation rates;
• College admission rates;
• Attendance;
• Rigorous coursework; and
• Classroom performance.

This is truly a higher standard that acknowledges the ways in which memorable educators make great, positive, and lasting impressions on us!