More to learning than test scores

I STRONGLY disagree with Kathleen Madigan's criticism of schools that focus on teaching critical thinking and problem-solving skills (Op-ed, Feb. 14); I cannot understand how an educator could devalue these essential abilities. The approach Madigan espouses may raise children's test scores, but it sidelines kids by changing the goal of education from actual learning to scoring well on tests.

Focus on scores is a symptom of a greater problem: Teaching methods and curriculum are too linear and rigid, and must change to support learning experiences in areas beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic. Children learn in many different ways, and educators should regard each of these as a key that will open the door to lifelong learning, rather than teaching all children that there is only one key.

I home-school my kids, and Massachusetts' narrow focus on scores is part of the reason. I want my boys to use their reading skills to help them think critically and solve problems. This should be education's ultimate goal, not a high score on a test.

Karen Kolp
Bellingham