Teaching improves learning.
Testing does not improve learning.
Every day that we devote to testing rather than teaching, we reduce learning.
Play improves learning.
Travel improves learning.
Music improves learning.
Human connection. Games. Regular nourishment. Novel experiences. Extracurriculars. Discovery. Friendship. Love. Long meals with friends. Passion. Curiosity. Collaboration. Solitude.
Testing does not improve learning.
(Testing could improve teaching…but only if the tests were designed to give actionable feedback to teachers. The high-stakes standardized testing we use really only gives actionable feedback to administrators and legislators. This does not improve teaching, and certainly does not improve learning.)