Policy Today - Education (Equality)

Something-For-Something

Details: Category: Education (Equality); Published: Sunday, 10 October 2021; Written by Dan Schwartz

FREE PRE-K IS A GOOD IDEA; FREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE NOT SO MUCH

As well as using the “something-for-nothing” model, why not add a “you gave, we give” merit test as the basis for government largesse?

Essential workers, veterans and the US flag saluting each other

As Congress considers the $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill, among the “something-for-nothing” laundry lists are two items that impact education: pre-K and community college. They are particularly relevant to Nevadans, where schools are ranked at or near rock bottom among K-12 U.S. education systems.

Pre-K is a good idea. Studies seem to indicate that the benefits wear off by the time students hit Third Grade. I would argue they are life-long: once a child’s mind is opened up, it stays open. Not everyone is an Einstein, but children will always be better off than if they hadn’t had the benefit of early learning. Moreover, at that age, young peoples’ minds are tabula rosa—largely unwritten pages in a lifelong book. Now, 3 yr. and 4 yr. old’s are a little young for national service, but that’s where society steps in. As a community, we can assist with writing the first few chapters of their education.

Education Policy: Q&A with CA Senator Jack Scott

Details: Category: Education (Equality); Published: Wednesday, 12 March 2008; Written by PT Editors

EDUCATION POLICY: Equality, Knowledge, and Federalism

“Education is the future,” says CA State Senator Jack Scott, who chairs the State's Senate Committee on Education. Everyone agrees “that all Americans deserve a quality education,” but most political leaders launch into the ‘how?’ before answering the ‘what?’ in defining education policy. The 2008 Presidential candidates' position statements, for example, have focused on who sets educational goals and standards: parents or government? (Teachers, students anyone?) Who pays? And, for what? And, where do the federal, state and local governments fit into the equation?

Mandates for Failure?

Details: Category: Education (Equality); Published: Tuesday, 30 October 2007; Written by Erik Aker

George Bush in front of a blackboard that reads 'No Child Left Behind'

How can state and federal educational mandates damage the system they’re trying to help? By ignoring deep social divisions in the system, constraining good teachers and adopting a "one-size-fits-average" premise.

As America’s public education system founders in the wake of its past success, concerned citizens often turn their attention to Washington and their state capitols for solutions. Nevertheless, many of the country's teachers aren’t buying into the policies instituted at the highest levels. Actually, it may be worse than that. To hear some teachers tell the story, federal and state mandates and achievement tests are creating a discouraging environment for teachers and contributing to the shortage of people entering the profession.