Education is key to our future as an economic power. Following a model of public education which works is one way to address current problems. I am certain there are public and private schools in the United States that are succeeding with broad educational goals. The federal government should be an engine for promoting rather than enforcing methods. Models also exist in other developed countries where they are able to produce high student performance without necessarily outspending other nations. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development recently authored a report on learning skills amongst 15-year-olds in 41 countries. The United States ranked in the bottom third. Interestingly, the Czech Republic ranked in the top ten, but spends one third per student what the U.S. spends.
Modeling is not the sole remedy for turning education around in the United States. Tragically, education continues to be low on the governmental priority list. In my own experience, I have seen crumbling schools, teachers buying supplies with their own funds, and cafeterias outsourced to the lowest bidder. I am also concerned by the invasion of marketing disguised as coursework, and desperate school districts making deals with vendors of bad nutrition.
Education not only contributes to the economy but also to stable families. Attacking ignorance serves to unite America. Public schools should be havens for children, free from hunger, bad nutrition, and propaganda. Education is the best long term investment we can make for a better tomorrow.
OCED PISA Report Comparing Learning Skills in 41 Countries
Deseret News - Are Short Lunches Bad For Children?
Henry & Madeleine at Miraikan
Science Museum, Tokyo