Rethinking Schools in 21st Century
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Time takes a look the state of education with the cover article called “How To Build a Student For the 21st Century“. The article points to a report coming from a bi-partisan commission which concluded that we need to advance education into the 21st century. Right now, our education system has a low aim: traditional reading & math competency. The article suggest these additional skills are necessary also:
- Knowing more about the world
- Thinking outside the box.
- Becoming smarter about new sources of information.
- Developing good people skills
One thing I didn’t see addressed here is arts which is woefully lacking in public school these days. Bush’s “No Child Left Behind” policy further worsens the support for the arts since it only put emphasis on academic studies. As a parent of 2 preschool girls, education is one of the biggest & most challenging concern I have.
Update: here’s an entry with links to bloggers discussing this article…
“No Child Left Behind” is another good example of Bush’s doublethink policy – it’s sounds good, but kids of middle and lower class people are actually worse off. George Lakoff’s “Don’t Think of an Elephant” explains this in great detail.
http://nahhhh.com/library/george-lakoff/dont-think-of-an-elephant-know-your-values-and-frame-the-debate-the-essential-guide-for-progressives/
I went to a local public school in Sactown. Surprisingly we had a free music program with
free equipment rental. Thanks to mama, she
pushed us into taking advantage or the
program. I don’t think we can find the same
opportunity anymore. The government spend
~10k per child and all we can afford to do is
basic reading & math. Yeah I am worried too.
Yes, it’s sad. Our school has to raise money for music and science Program. As for arts, we have parent volunteers coming in and teaching the kids. I guess that’s why we really need parent involvement more these days, than while we were growing up.