About This Lesson
In this clip featuring Leon Botstein, President of Bard College, we examine how these tests measure and reflect - or don’t reflect - a student’s knowledge, and what they may take away in a teaching environment. You can turn this clip into an interactive lesson with your students. Ask the question:
Who was President of the United States when Pearl Harbor was bombed?
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Harry S. Truman
- Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr.
- George Washington
Then, watch the clip and discuss the role of standardized tests in your classroom and for your students. What sort of intelligence can they measure? What sort of intelligence can they not measure? What challenge does Leon Botstein highlight in this clip?
About the Film: Students, parents, and educators all understand the financial, emotional and intellectual burden of the SAT/ACT—tests that are not only an integral part of the college admissions process, but also have become a rite of passage for teenagers in the United States. Even as adults, few of us forget our experience with these tests. THE TEST AND THE ART OF THINKING is an eye-opening examination of the SAT and ACT, and the contested and controversial issues they raise. This surprising film endeavors to support individuals—especially young people—by examining what the test measures and means, and asking a range of visionaries, admissions professionals, and interested parties to discuss the use and ramifications of the test. Trailer
