Over-Tested and Under-Prepared

Bob Sornson is the founder of the Early Learning Foundation. For more than three decades he was a classroom teacher and school administrator, and he’s the author of many books and articles for educators, parents, and children. He works with schools and education organizations across the country, focusing primarily on developing whole-child competency-based programs that support early learning success.

"Occasionally, a masterpiece of literature is written—a masterpiece because the author presents a desperately needed and impressive formulaic inspiration for change. Over-Tested and Under-prepared, Bob Sornson’s latest contribution to the field of educational change is just that. After reading it, I sincerely believe that every educator, every parent, and—even more important, if that is possible—every politician should read the book.I agree with Sornson that Òwe are at the inception of the most exciting time in the history of educationÓ—and it is about time. We have ignored decades of the science of learning in schools, and we are paying the price as a nation, as a culture, and as individuals in families. By emphasizing and carefully describing the concept of Òcompetency-based learning,Ó Sornson’s book represents one of the best tools available to date that we can use to change the world of education in America—and, it is hoped, sooner rather than later.As Sornson states it, Òa competency-based system is designed to help every student become proficient in clearly defined essential outcomes.Ó The key word there is Òevery,Ó which is the focus of the book. Basically, the book builds on the fact that every student has an optimal level of instructional success and that every student needs to be instructed at that level. In other words, every student should have the opportunity to build on prior knowledge and be allowed the time needed to master the basic understanding or skill that represents a critically important outcome." - James A. Tucker, Ph.D., McKee Chair of Excellence in Learning, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga"In a culture where K12 education solutions are imprecise, frenetic, and diffuse, Bob Sornson has once again offered calming, illuminating clarity. Over Tested and Under Prepared is a beautifully written manuscript that helps educators develop truly transformative learning experiences for the students they serve. This text delivers Monday morning readiness with a deep investment in the undergirding ideals that inform the most innovative educators today. Bob artfully deconstructs our most disempowering habits and mindsets, while igniting the pathway back to the most sacred place in education. That magic exchange between teacher and student, where the love of learning is revealed." - Casey Reason, Ph.D., Highpoint Learning

• Reader’s Guide Introduction; 1. Someday Soon, A Fable; 2. Informed Instruction Leads to Competency, Part One; 3. The Curriculum Driven Model: A Brief History; 4. Without Learning Competency There Can Be No Equity; 5. Giving Up Unproductive Mental Models; 6. Building a New Model; 7. Principles of Instruction Leading to Competency; 8. Teaching Differently; 9. Systems Thinking for Competency Based Learning; 10. Whole Child Competency; 11. Creating the Culture of a Learning Organization; 12. Learning for Understanding and Application; 13. Masters of the Trade: Game Designers; 14. What’s Happening in Competency Based Learning Initiatives; 15. Teacher Education: Building Pathways to Skills That Matter; 16. Distracted by the Debate Over What to Cover; 17. Letting Go of Curriculum Driven Instruction; 18. Transitioning from Curriculum Driven to Competency Based Learning; 19. Informed Instruction Leads to Competency, Part Two; 20. Conclusion: The Spirit of Transformation; Appendix 1: Organizational Self-Assessment for Readiness to Implement Competency Based Learning; Appendix 2: Resources for the Further Study of Competency Based Learning Study Guide