So are you calling standardized tests "book learning" or "hands-on"??? I say these things devalue "book learning" as much as they devalue building things.
I would agree kids should be reading books, writing essays, writing math proofs and building robot but not doing (and endlessly preparing for) standardized tests. Comprehension isn't going to ever be fully exercised by multiple choice questions.
Seriously, the problems with standardized tests just don't allow them to be glossed over as "book learning" or any other way. The worst problem of standardized tests is they reduce teachers to proctors and game-strategists rather than demanding they have constructive engagement with their students.
I would agree kids should be reading books, writing essays, writing math proofs and building robot but not doing (and endlessly preparing for) standardized tests. Comprehension isn't going to ever be fully exercised by multiple choice questions.
Seriously, the problems with standardized tests just don't allow them to be glossed over as "book learning" or any other way. The worst problem of standardized tests is they reduce teachers to proctors and game-strategists rather than demanding they have constructive engagement with their students.