Education Law

Where We Stood?

Last night PBS debuted a new documentary, Where We Stand, which looks at education in America through the lens of Ohio. Judy Woodruff introduces Ohio as a cross section of America, where urban, suburban, and rural districts exist and presidential politics is nothing less than a 'swing' vote away from one side or the other. The hour long documentary rattles off statistics and other interesting FAQ-like information in an attempt to bring attention to education for all Americans who will vote in November. PBS isn't alone in trying to get Americans to pay attention to education. But who's paying attention? With the headlines screaming of stock market trouble, housing crunches, budget woes, and hurricanes, is something as long term as education really a matter of national urgency? Well, yes!

As hard as we try, we can't live in the past. Marty McFly and Doc aren't going to go back and correct our mistakes with their time machine. We need to study our mistakes and begin moving forward with new ideas. While Where We Stand recounts a lot of the problems in education and compares us internationally, there are many solutions already in place locally. There are urban districts that are trying unique strategies to get parents and students involved by creating networks and academies to help. Suburban districts utilize the business community to shape 'real-world' skills in the classroom, and rural districts are consolidating to save money and be more efficient with resources. Those stories don't get covered as often, but they are there (and there are lots of examples, just ask us). Take a look at Where We Stand (check your local listings), but look at it critically. We can't afford to let this issue get away from us. Education needs to come forward in this election, and all of us need to do more to carry it there.

Full post as published by BoardBuzz: NSBA's Daily Weblog on September 16, 2008 (boomark / email).