Best System = Mediocre Product?
Before we get into details, we must establish four critical references.
1. “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”-Nelson Mandela.
2. President George Washington once wrote; “A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty is more pressing than communicating it to those who are the future guardians of the liberties of the country?”.
3. America’s most important resource is the children, the future workforce.
4. To compete in a global economy, fueled by super technology, America needs a superbly educated and healthy workforce.
…Details…
* A Google search for countries that have the best education systems puts the United States in the #1 position. The basic evaluation was based on economic status.
* The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has a Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) that routinely tests student’s performance in Reading, Science, and Mathematics. A rating in each of those subjects is recorded.
…For 2022…
Mathematics…33 countries did better than the United States.
Reading…8 countries did better than the United States.
Science…15 countries did better than the United States.
* The relative decline of American education has long been a national embarrassment, as well as a threat to the nation’s future.
* From day #1 funding education was, and still is, the responsibility of the states or localities.
* It wasn’t until the mid-1980s that the federal government took a role in K-12 education, responding to constant reports of poor student performance since the 1960s. The government funding was for special projects focused on solving specific problems (i.e., No Child left behind, Professional Development for teachers and staff, Benchmarks for student achievement, Measurable Goals for all students, etc.).
* The percent of the Total Federal Budget (Mandatory and Discretionary Spending) from 2010-2019 ranged from1.4% to 3%. That level of spending doesn’t indicate a priority item!
…Is it any wonder that…
* A Bloomberg Global Health Index showed that the United States was not one of the top 20 healthiest countries.
* A CNN World Happiness Report showed that the United States was not one of the top 20 happiest countries.
NO COMMON SENSE
ANALYZE THE EXAMPLE
* Which supports and barriers were in play?
* What were the dynamics?
* What, or who, won the Tug-of-War?
* Discuss the example with your friends and family.
* Use Post #4 as a reference for the dynamics and relationships between supports and barriers.
