Thoughts for Obama on Education - There are no quick fixes (generation, American)

[jps-teacher]

Education Policy Blog: On schools, there are no quick fixes

One of my most consistent critiques of our national mentality when it comes to schools is that we approach our "education crises" in much the same way the former Soviet Union approached pretty much every domestic problem it encountered: A Five Year Plan.

I don't mean that literally, but I do mean that we have gone repeatedly for quick fixes and too-short term goals.

Yes, to develop meaningful long term strategies and goals is to say to the immediate generation (12 year group) of students that we are not going to fix the problems in time to truly help them. But the alternative is to give (still more) false promises, and serve neither the current generation of students nor any other.

So, no. Bill Gates may not be the right man - though as noted, at least his folks could admit some of their failings in what they tried and expected vs. what they got.

Still, it needs somebody with a willingness to learn and to walk in knowing that s/he does not know the answers to the problems - and somebody either with long range vision or the ability to work with those with greater perspectives on time. The problems we have are immediate, but the solutions may not be.

[delusianne]

I havent been following the ideas for the Department of Education, but I agree the appointee is crucial. Has there been any talk about that former superintendent of Chicago schools? Paul Vallas.

Obama has said sternly that families need to turn off the TV/advertising/video games/come in the house and talk with each other... can't legislate this but maybe a general national atmosphere of health and ambition will help.

[Repubocrat]

You can fix all the schools in the country, bring the best teachers but the problem with education starts at home. There is a total breakdown of the family in this country, I would say 60% of American parents have no idea what they are doing, most American kids are being raised without the basics (morals, manners, discipline, respect, integrity, values, honesty, common-sense, etc). Basically,there is an entire generation of loser parents who are raising loser children. I have lost total faith in the future of the children in this country due to the total breakdown of the family. I am more than convinced that not having children was the wisest decision I could have made. If you want something cute, get a cat or a dog! My heart goes out to the public teachers that must put up with all this dysfunctional crap for very little money! These people are the true heroes!