Standardized testing is at cross purposes with many of the most important purposes of public education. It doesn't measure big-picture learning, critical thinking, perseverance, problem solving, creativity or curiosity, yet those are the qualities great teaching brings out in a student.

The quote "Standardized testing is at cross purposes with many of the most important purposes of public education. It doesn't measure big-picture learning, critical thinking, perseverance, problem solving, creativity or curiosity, yet those are the qualities great teaching brings out in a student." by Randi Weingarten critiques the limitations of standardized tests in evaluating a student's true potential. Weingarten argues that while standardized tests are commonly used in educational systems, they fail to measure the more complex and essential skills that good education aims to develop, such as critical thinking and creativity.

Weingarten highlights that public education should focus on nurturing qualities like problem-solving, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity—traits that are crucial for students' long-term success and development. Standardized tests, by contrast, typically assess rote memorization and the ability to follow prescribed answers, not the broader, more adaptable thinking skills that great educators work to cultivate. In this way, these tests are fundamentally misaligned with the deeper goals of learning.

The quote also underscores the tension between traditional educational practices and the modern demands of teaching. Creativity and curiosity are integral components of a well-rounded education, but standardized tests do not account for these traits. Weingarten argues that true learning goes beyond just knowing facts; it includes the ability to think critically, solve problems, and think outside the box—skills that prepare students for real-world challenges.

Overall, Weingarten's message is a call for rethinking how we measure educational success. She advocates for a more holistic approach to assessing students, one that values the development of perseverance, creativity, and other important qualities over the narrow scope of standardized testing. This perspective reflects her belief that great teaching involves inspiring students to grow in ways that are not captured by traditional exams.