True Reform

School reform, in my mind, is a misguided and poor term to use in discussing the state of public education. I believe what we all ought to be discussing or focused on education going forward. To say that we need to reform education smacks of 'something is terribly wrong.' It's not a matter that something is wrong; rather, that we need to make adjustments and modifications in or to move the enterprise forward.

The history of public education is laced with as many ups and downs as any institution has endured. That being said, the history of American education is one of proven success. It is critical to examine long term/larger picture in order to see that the American public education system has served this country well.

True 'reform' (if that term must be used) is one that has always been at the forefront of the discussion. This is nothing new. Nearly everyone has gone to school and/or college and that means people have a basis of knowledge because of that fact. It is understandable that everyone is going to weigh in on the state of education.

I believe that moving forward we would all be best served, not by shutting anyone out of the conversation, but by making sure that the over 3,000,000 teachers in this country are the ones who need to lead the dialogue. When we look to our teachers, professors and other professionals in the classrooms of America I believe we will find the ideas and solutions that will continue to serve the citizens of this country in the manner they deserve.

Dick