The problems with Education

Recently, I overheard two colleagues expressing their frustration over recent experiences with their childrens' educators. Normally, I would filter out the low-pressure venting that occurs, but this topic is emotionally compelling to me. As someone who was associated with Education for more than eight years, I’ve composed a perspective that these ladies were lacking.

This wasn't the first time I've been in this position, nor will it be the last. I've had this conversation, or ones like it, countless times over the years. Even though I haven't been associated with Education for some time now, nothing has changed for the better. In fact, one might argue that the condition of the Education system, and those who involved with it, has only deteriorated further.

Let me set the expectation now that this will be a multi-part diatribe. I've never fully captured my thoughts or opinions on this matter before, so this will be a good opportunity. I have, however, long since begun to outline them such that they could be fleshed out and conveyed easily and cogently.

First, I'd like to say the problems with Education are multi-faceted, complex, and significantly resistant to change. Despite what any politician will tell you in the upcoming months, it's not as simple as anything. In Bush's more notable campaign, he hung his hat on "accountability". While it was good ploy that resonated with many, it was little more than a motivational tool. It shouldn't escape anyone that we are a very prideful culture, and as such, tend to be motivated when we're told we're "dropping the ball", not meeting expectations, and not taking responsibility for our actions. The portion of his gambit that I did enjoy, however, was that it was the first time I'd heard a politician suggest that the culpability for the failures in Education was shared between families and educators. I agree more...

I take the position at a higher level of abstraction; one that wouldn't be easy to convey on the bully pulpit. The problems with Education stem from systemic and cultural considerations. By systemic, I mean those factors that directly pertain to the education system itself. Off the top of my head, I can name six. Make no mistake, however, our culture is equally responsible and flawed.