the solution to the education reform that teachers are looking for, could quite possibly be ... Project-Based Learning.
If students are engaged in PBL, they can begin creating an ePortfolio in order to demonstrate their learning and understanding of standards, rather than testing for them.
When teachers integrate Project-Based Teaching, they are providing the opportunity for differentiated learning, rather than differentiated instruction. "Differentiated learning shifts the responsibility for the learning to the learner (where it belongs)"
With PBL, students are empowered to work at their own pace and ability level which provides them with the opportunity to challenge themselves.
Students can create a project using any of the Eight Multiple Intelligences. Below are some suggestions for projects. "Students could meet standards at their own pace, in their own way and learning could be differentiated and aligned to each child’s talents, passions, interests, and abilities"
Having students create and share these projects will allow for the deepest understanding of the content.
Students will no longer have to "memorize" or try to "remember" the information ... because they will have learned it.
teacher is letting go of control by allowing the students to take ownership of their learning.