Philosophical Outlook on Education

According to an article in the New York Times, education is not just another issue. It is the most powerful force for accelerating economic growth, reducing poverty, and lifting middle-class living standards.  It is based upon those factors that support the moral imperative that we can no longer educate our young people in the “one-room schoolhouse” mindset. Our students are individuals with an array of experiences and interests, and in order for us to educate each of them, we must be prepared and willing to provide an educational experience that is differentiated and developed to meet each of their unique learning styles.  Too many are receiving high school diplomas that do not certify academic confidence in basic subjects. We must strive to ensure that all students are prepared for any pathway that they choose after their senior year of school. 

We must focus on the right data and support. We must move away from trying to educate our students in a one-size fits all mindset and focus on the individual skills needed and the individual interests that are possessed by each one of our students. We must provide opportunities for our students to be engaged in their learning process...opportunities for them to have ownership and accountability. We must show our students that they have very important roles in their education, and it is an important role...but as the professional educator, as the parent, as the community member, as the business owner, we have a much greater role.

We must develop and support our educators in their roles in transforming the lives of our scholars. Until we make personal and individual decisions to do whatever it takes to transform our education system, we will continue to have conversations on what to do with failing schools. We need to be honest and realize that our students are not failing the grade; we are failing to make education relevant to them. We are failing to make decisions that focus on what they need to learn.

Best practices do exist in our schools, and schools are successful because they have strong student voices, committed educators and strong family and community engagement. High-performing schools and districts simplify their goals and practices and do those well. Research shows that teachers have a direct impact on student learning. Administrators have an indirect impact on student learning. We must have strong effective leaders supporting strong effective teachers. Teachers must have the tools that they need to be successful and it needs to look differently from classroom to classroom, school to school, and district to district...meeting the individual needs of each student...is real educational equity. 

“In a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity - it is a prerequisite.” President Barack Obama