Since then, when we talked about intelligence and knowledge, we relied on simple, static measures: the IQ score and the grade on a final exam or in their GWA. Think of it this way: the old IQ test is like trying to determine if someone is a great leader just by how quickly they can solve a crossword puzzle. It measures a sliver of their potential—their analytical speed—while missing huge, critical parts of what makes someone truly smart, like the ability to inspire a team, handle a crisis under pressure, or come up with a truly original idea. We’ve realized that knowing facts is no longer the highest form of intelligence when every fact is available instantly on a phone. The real challenge of the 21st century is not remembering information, but knowing what to do with it. This is why we need innovative assessment methods—to move beyond asking "What do you know?" and start asking the far more important question: "What can you achieve?"

Developing assessments that are authentic—that is, that closely mimic the difficulties of actual life—is the answer. We encourage a prospective architect to design a bridge for a real, specific location with a real budget and actual environmental restrictions rather than having them fill in bubbles on a sheet regarding stress tolerances in a bridge design. Instead of testing a doctor's knowledge with a written quiz about symptoms, we place them in a realistic simulation where they must interact with a patient (either an actor or a sophisticated dummy), make a diagnosis, and communicate the treatment plan properly. These cutting-edge techniques change the emphasis from memorizing to mastery and from a single, crucial final score to a portfolio.

This is where we can apply what we've learned in our school to realities. It's best to apply the knowledge with what youve learned in a situation.