“I cannot say, for example, what will happen to schools if they adopted such a different approach to learning.” Sure you can. There are lots of great examples of bold educational theory in practice that arose in the late 20th century prior to this latest test-driven trend in US schools. Look at Hampshire College — 50 years old this fall and under threat of dissolution as I type. It was the product of a more passion-driven, student-centered approach to learning. It eschews grades and develops critical thinkers for a new age and century rather than filling students with knowledge and testing their ability to memorize. Also look to the IBO PYP and MYP for models not only for whole student teaching but for assessment practices that chart process and developing skills that young people will need in today’s world of work, rather than limiting them to grade-based evaluations. I totally agree with you in every way. But there are answers and tested models. We just need the will.