If you missed the Celebrate Harbor! event last night, here are some of the highlights of my remarks about our unique school!

“Sometimes, the most brilliant and intelligent minds do not shine in standardized tests because they do not have standardized minds.” – Diane Ravitch, Professor of Education at NYU.

I am drawn to this quote for a number of reasons.

1. As you know, we do not require standardized testing for admissions, though many schools with children our age do. Time and time again, it has been shown that test scores are only ONE small snapshot of a child’s ability and more importantly, their potential.
2. We also do not support the practice of using standardized testing to assess what our children are learning. Standardized testing does not allow creative minds to demonstrate what they know…and our children know a lot – and have a variety of opportunities to show it. Again, research has shown that children learn more when they are engaged, interested, and invested in their learning. By avoiding standardized testing, our students are learning MORE, learning better, and learning to love learning.
3. Our children do NOT have standardized minds. No children do, but that fact can often be lost when there are many children to teach and standardized goals to reach. At Harbor, we are committed to the fact that all children are UNIQUE – and our teachers, our classrooms, and our curriculum reflect that knowledge and belief.

I am honored that so many came to Celebrate Harbor last night. I am honored that you have entrusted us with your children. I believe, with all of my heart, that you have made a brilliant investment in the education of your brilliant children.