It's no longer enough to focus on grades and test scores

As educators, we have a great responsibility to prepare our students for the future.

It's no longer enough to simply focus on grades and test scores, as the skills that were once valued in the workforce are rapidly changing. That's why it's crucial for us to transition away from a "check the box" curriculum and instead focus on providing students with opportunities to experience and perform in real-world situations.

One way we can do this is by incorporating experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, community projects, and business partnerships. These experiences provide students with hands-on opportunities to develop durable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. By focusing on these skills, we can help students build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.

But how do we measure this type of learning?

That's where interactive digital portfolios come in. Interactive portfolios allow students to showcase their learning journey through self-reflections, evidence of their learning, and their growth over time. This personalized approach to assessment allows teachers and community members to provide feedback and guidance based on each student's individual strengths and weaknesses, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.By incorporating interactive portfolios as a measurement of student learning, we can provide a more comprehensive picture of a student's abilities and help them take ownership of their learning.

This process encourages self-directed learning, which is essential for success in the workforce.

The transition away from a "check the box" curriculum to focusing on durable skills and interactive portfolios is crucial for the success of our students. By providing them with opportunities to experience and perform in real-world situations and showcase their learning journey, we can help them develop the skills they need for lifelong success.