Three key points are discussed in the document: 1. HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) is an education reform concept based on learning taxonomies that focuses on more sophisticated thinking skills. 2. Pushing students towards higher-order thinking in the classroom has enormous benefits, as information processed at higher levels is remembered longer and more clearly than lower-level memorization. Explanations and inferences are retained better than rote facts. 3. Students who are behind need to make academic gains to have opportunities, so teachers should provide opportunities for students to lead, engage in, and be motivated towards higher-order thinking.