In the minds of policy makers and many parents, achievement simply means raising test scores in basic skills. But mastery of only basic skills — reading, writing and arithmetic — is insufficient preparation for the modern world. In fact, this focus may increase students’ alienation from schooling.
More time, more thought, more success
Research shows that students learn better and master basic skills in less time when they are engaged in learning. Technology, particularly digital media, engages students so they spend more time on task than with traditional paper and pencil approaches.
Beyond basic skills
However, if we only use technology to improve basic skills, we are not taking advantage of the power of technology to impact student achievement. A broader and more complete definition of achievement includes:
MILE Guide for 21st Century Skills
This guide can help any state, district or school answer some critical questions about how they are preparing students to meet the challenges of the new millennium.
![Student at work in a computer lab [photo]](http://images.apple.com/education/digitalkids/achievement/images/image_achievement.jpg)
