Test Scores: A Distraction or a Destination

Rethinking assessment in schools: Why personalized learning beats test-focused education for preparing students for the future.

As a Superintendent of Pipestone Area Schools in Minnesota, the recent release of state assessment results led to a reflection on the impact of high-stakes assessments on schools and classrooms.

In education, test scores often dominate the conversation, scrutinized by policymakers and used to compare and rank schools. However, a critical question emerges for school leaders committed to personalized learning:

Are test scores a destination — an ultimate goal — or merely a distraction from the deeper work of preparing students for a complex, ever-changing, and interconnected world?

Test scores have clear appeal — they're easy to pursue, as standardized tests are measurable, tangible, and comparable.

Author's summary: Rethinking assessment in schools to prioritize personalized learning.

AASA, The School Superintendents Association — 2025-10-25

Test Scores: A Distraction or a Destination

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