More on Education

Yesterday I commented on the idea that where the United States stands with regard to other countries on international testing should not be an all-out 'intellectual arms race.' I went on to state that it is far better for the American education system to find ways to improve teacher effectiveness and student learning.

For those of you with children, you can undoubtedly relate to this idea. It is my hunch you simply want your sons and daughters to do their very best, to improve as they go along in their education. I doubt very much that you are pushing them to be #1.

Let me offer another point about the whole idea for not participating in the 'race to the top.' While a country or student may be #1 it doesn't assure that country or student of anything going forward.

Will the country or student who is #1 be prepared to deal with many of life's issues? Does that country or student have a well rounded education or is it filled with a special training, though important, that leaves said country and/or student with other voids? What will the country and/or student make of that #1 status, to what use will they put their education?

Quite simply, a well rounded student and society education-wise is most important. Students and societies that make the most of their education is critical. I would argue that students and societies that grow and mature through the passage of time are more useful than making the claim that they are #1.

I think it's valuable to have a broad perspective on the merits of a comprehensive education that doesn't have a goal of being 'Number #1!!'

Thanks,
Dick