Chris Kennedy, Superintendent of Schools for the West Vancouver School District, gave a talk about redefining what it means to be smart. In the past, being smart was defined by memorizing facts, but now with widespread access to information, being smart is less about what you know and more about skills like problem solving, creativity, and perseverance. Kennedy argues we should change how we talk about and teach smartness in schools, focusing less on standardized tests and more on collaboration, real-world applications of knowledge, and supporting students' social-emotional growth and well-being.

1. TEDxWestVancouverED
What is Smart?
September 27, 2014
Chris Kennedy
Superintendent of Schools
WEST VANCOUVER SCHOOL DISTRICT

2. Not so long ago…
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Teachers
Doctors
Lawyers
Professors

3. And Jeopardy champions
Who is Ken
Jennings?

4. Facts ruled the world

5. In the past 20 years

6. Knowledge: Few to Many

7. Smart meets its match

8. Talking about smart

10. How we talk about smart
s art

11. Change the conversation
s art

12. Inside our schools

13. Inside our schools

14. Outside our schools

15. Outside our schools

16. A New Perspective
Smart
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F
F
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