Thompson: Tests, Learning, & The Tulsa Race Riot Of 1921

In Mother Jones, Kristina Rizga's What Standardized Tests Miss describes the tension between skin-deep instruction to cover tested material and engaging, in-depth learning that can change students' lives.  In particular, Rizga describes a student's pride and the inspiration that grew out of researching the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921.  That reminded me that I used to introduce Oklahoma History by explaining the textbook selection process to my students, and how a committee choose Danney Goble's book after he completed his sales pitch by reading an amazing passage about the riot.  Once, the bell rang just as I completed reading Goble's concluding words.  Nobody moved.  Then the strongest weightlifter in the class rose and said solemnly, "Please tell Dr. Goble that we appreciate what he his doing."  The class leader shook my hand, as if I was a preacher.  Every student did the same as they filed out of class. JT(@drjohnthompson)Image via.