In a world transformed by artificial intelligence, the skills and competencies that define success are rapidly evolving. As AI takes over routine tasks and computations, the unique capabilities of the human mind – our creativity, emotional intelligence, contextual reasoning, and more – become increasingly vital. Yet, our education system remains shackled to outdated assessment practices that fail to measure what matters most.
The Limitations of Traditional Assessments
Standardized tests, national norm-referenced assessments, and district-level evaluations have often been criticized for their focus on a narrow set of academic skills and content knowledge. While some progress has been made in recent years to incorporate more conceptual understanding and problem-solving into these assessments, they still fall short in fully capturing the depth and breadth of human intelligence.
For example, the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) and the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) have designed assessments that aim to measure critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills in addition to content knowledge. Similarly, the College Board has redesigned the SAT to include more emphasis on critical reading, data analysis, and real-world problem-solving.
While these efforts represent a step in the right direction, they still face limitations in assessing the full range of Human Intelligence competencies. Assessments that truly measure creative thinking, empathetic relationship-building, emotional intelligence, and adaptability remain rare in mainstream educational practice.
Furthermore, even when assessments do attempt to measure higher-order skills, the emphasis on standardization and the pressure of high-stakes testing can lead to a narrowing of curriculum and instruction. Teachers often feel compelled to focus on the specific skills and question types that are likely to appear on the assessment, rather than fostering the holistic development of Human Intelligence competencies.
Reimagining Assessment for Human Intelligence
To align with the goals of the Human Intelligence Movement, assessment practices will need to undergo a radical transformation. This should include moving beyond the limitations of multiple-choice questions and embrace authentic, performance-based assessments that allow students to demonstrate their unique human capabilities—assessments that challenge students to tackle real-world problems, collaborating with peers to generate innovative solutions. Assessments in the age of AI should include evaluation tools that value creative expression, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate complex, ambiguous situations, and that provide meaningful, actionable feedback to support student growth and development.
The Path Forward
Redefining assessment for the Human Intelligence era will require a collective effort from educators, policymakers, and assessment experts. We must:
- Develop new frameworks and rubrics that prioritize the evaluation of Human Intelligence competencies.
- Invest in research and development to create innovative assessment tools and technologies that align with these frameworks.
- Provide professional development and support for educators to effectively implement and utilize these new assessment practices.
- Advocate for policy changes that enable schools and districts to embrace authentic, performance-based assessments as valid measures of student learning.
A Call to Action
The Human Intelligence Movement is not just about transforming instruction; it’s about revolutionizing the way we measure and value student potential. By redefining assessment, we can create an education system that truly prepares learners for the challenges and opportunities of an AI-driven world.
Join us in advocating for assessment practices that honor the unique capabilities of the human mind. Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their full range of human intelligence, paving the way for a future in which humanity and technology thrive together.
Additional Reading:
Betts, A., Hughes, D., & Gunderia, S. (under review). The best start: A Bloomsian perspective on AI-powered innovations in mathematics education. Manuscript submitted for publication to the 46th Annual Meeting of the Psychology of Mathematics Education – North American Chapter, November 7-10, 2024; Cleveland, OH, United States.
Ellingrud, K., Sanghvi, S., Madgavkar, A., Dandona, G. S., Chui, M., White, O., & Hasebe, P. (2023). Generative AI and the future of work in America. McKinsey Center for Government, McKinsey & Company.
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology. (2023). Artificial intelligence and future of teaching and learning: Insights and recommendations.
Post Written by Anastasia Betts, PhD