This commentary is by Alis Headlam of Rutland.In his VTDigger commentary, Gov. Phil Scott said that his administration has a plan to “transform and strengthen our public education system.” Certainly education is in great need of a makeover, but attention needs to be paid to more than financial c oncerns, or condensing schools and administration.In the 1970s and 80s a movement began to promote holistic education, but it was stifled by for-profit organizations and publishers who pushed for more accountability by defining specific standards which would be measured with standardized tests. Holistic education provides opportunities for all students to shine, where learning is measured on individual progress and group performance on tasks that relate to real-life experiences.Skills and strategies are joined together by giving students opportunities to participate in meaningful projects, discussions and research. Tasks emphasize critical thinking and creativity. Not only is learning viewed through a holistic lens, students and classrooms themselves are seen as whole entities that would thrive and promote a democratic world.Collaboration rather than competition is encouraged. Diversity of understanding, perception and critical thinking are engaged, and the move towards the acceptance of human differences is critical. Labels and separations by ability are discouraged as students join together to learn.As skills and strategies are combined in classroom activities to form effective problem-solving tools, it is clear that an ability to perform on a standardized test or to accomplish an isolated standard does not reflect the intellectual strength of students or development of lifelong learning. Holistic education is no longer part of the discussion going forward. As academic performance continues to be measured in sound bites from standardized testing, solutions come mostly from discussions about how to cut costs while maintaining low student-teacher ratios.And yet, the reliance on standardized testing for teacher accountability discourages some of the brightest teachers who understand that performance on isolated skills or meaningless activities is not a reflection of lifelong learning. Students whose intelligence relies on something other than reading and writing get lost in the process. The story of former Gov. Peter Shumlin, who has dyslexia, is a perfect example of how the system is failing some students. Traditional educational practices did not meet his needs. No performance on standardized tests could measure his ability.It took one teacher, who recognized his ability, to provide the stepping stones that he needed. Even so, he admits that as governor he did not rely on his ability to spell for effective communication. Speaking rather than reading a teleprompter was preferred. His success as governor, the highest political position in the state, cannot be denied. A former educator myself, for over 50 years, I have now become an observer — and what I see is distressing. In spite of the efforts of many talented teachers, the emphasis on standardized testing segregates students by labeling them and limits expectations. It quashes many creative  teaching opportunities.Pull-outs from classrooms leave some children ostracized or, at best, segregated from others in their classes, causing behavioral problems as students react. The lack of time for planning discourages creative thinking and teaching, and further denies the professionalism of teachers. In a commentary to the Rutland Herald, Sue Tanen, a literacy coach for Rutland City Schools, wrote: “Right now, teachers in the primary and intermediate schools have less time to collaborate with colleagues on behalf of students than do those in the middle and high schools. That needs to change.” We live in a time when it is clear that societies across the globe are losing ground when it comes to preparing children to live in a world where peace and justice prevail. There is clearly a need to maintain a democratic way of life. Moving away from the emphasis on rote learning, which was necessary in the past, to one that embraces multiple intelligences and encourages students to think creatively is essential. It requires a challenge to current methods of preparing students to take tests and the focus on measurable standards which breaks learning into isolated skills and artificial activities.Once a student is released from schooling, students who are successful must rely on their ability to translate these bits of information into useful tools for work, play and participation in a democratic society. Those who are unable to do this have difficulty realizing their full potential. With all the best of intentions, adding more money and condensing services to save money is not going to resolve the weaknesses of the academic system and the failure to meet the varied needs of students. Education needs to be redefined as a holistic venture that promotes access to higher thinking, so that working together to make our planet a livable, safe place is for everyone.Read the story on VTDigger here: Alis Headlam: Educating for the future. ...read more read less