Critical Thinking

If critical thinking is the goal, then we must evaluate our current practice. We decry the over emphasis on testing and the too specific value of assessments to evaluate real student learning yet are we ready to provide rich, deep, meaningful learning situations for ALL our students? 
Critical thinking is not a linear process, it requires multiple access and exit points in a continuum of learning. And most importantly, it must start early and be a valued process! Meaningful learning takes time and effort in thought and process for all involved. How much value do you place in critical thinking in your class? Do you foster critical thinking or are you handcuffed to "skill and drill"? 
Rather than just hoping for kids to be "opted" out of testing, let's provide meaningful learning situations that develop across-discipline literacy, creative thinkers, and problem solvers who will be ready to met the challenges of our rapidly advancing world.