What measurable educational factors determine real life success for individuals? Educators, policy makers, and all other individuals involved with the public school systems have tried to figure out the answer to this question over many of years. The result that we have been left with is standardized tests…and lots of them. No one knows exactly what academic measures can predict success, but everyone has an opinion on the matter.

This week I came across a podcast that discusses this issue, but it points to something that standardized test can’t measure…soft skills. These are the skills that aren’t exclusive to academics, but rather the measure how an individual communicates and works with other peers. In the podcast (embedded above) they discuss not only soft skills but also brain development. A large part of the podcast discusses the development of the pre-frontal cortex…this is the part of the brain that handles impulses and judgement. Furthermore, they go on to discuss the science behind the development of the pre-frontal cortex in students who face stresses on a daily basis. I highly suggest giving the podcast a listen, it certainly provides some excellent talking points for some of the most relevant conversations going on right now in education.

Mr. McClung

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