There are few things about which “everyone” agrees. But one thing that gets almost complete agreement is the proposition that it is necessary for our children to get a good education to be successful in life.
That’s why we spend more money on state and local levels, and lots more nationally, in seeking to provide good educational opportunities for our youngsters, from kindergartens through four-year colleges.
But honest people admit that far too many of our young people pass through our educational system without getting as good an education as we wish they did. What’s wrong?
Those who really understand education can name lots of things. Some start out by saying we’re not spending enough money on education. But while money is important, the uncomfortable truth is that while many students are self-starting and smart, and while many teachers are excellent and dedicated, there are too many involved in our schools who really are not sufficiently motivated and sufficiently prepared to accomplish all we desire.
Tennessee is trying to do something about it. Our state legislators currently are in a special session to seek better educational results.
“Tests” are one subject. Most of us don’t like tests, unless we are confident we will do well on them. Who wants to be shown up lacking? Many teachers don’t like being measured. Many students don’t like to be graded. And some tests don’t really give accurate reflections of ability, effort or achievement.
But we should not dodge the fact that while we put a lot of money and effort into education, our overall results are not satisfying. What a waste of money and — more important — of human potential.
Recognizing that, Tennessee’s governor, legislators, teachers, many parents and some schoolchildren want to do better. We should. Our legislators and educational officials are not going to be able to wave a magic wand and get suddenly improved educational results. But there have to be standards, purpose, goals and hard work to get better results. So many are making a serious effort, which should be commended and encouraged.
If educational solutions were easy, we wouldn’t have legislators and educators debating about them now. Centering our attention, again, on the need to improve educational results for our youngsters offers a new start.