IT'S BIGGER THAN SUPERMAN, CALL WONDER WOMAN TOO!!!

       In his opinion article,"Waiting for Superman" to reform education? He's already here."James W. Guthrie shares an optimistic view of the nations' efforts to tackle the current educational system. Mr. Guthrie is a professor of education and Director of Education Policy at the George W. Bush Institute.
       This article appeared on Sept. 29th in The Christian Science Monitor and addresses the new documentary "Waiting for Superman". Directed by Davis Guggenheim, this film follows five students through the hazards of public schools. The film brings to light some frightening facts about schools and education. Disturbing facts like ;a kid drops out every 26 seconds. That's 1.2 million dropouts a year. Dropouts are 8 times more likely to go to prison and 50% less likely to vote. Dropouts earn 40 cents for every dollar a college grad earns and dropouts are not eligible for 90% of jobs. Mr. Guthrie also pointed out that the U.S. spends over $12,000 per student, per year and we rank 20th out of 28  industrialized nations. Basically, we suck.        
       Professor Guthrie breaks down the issue this way. There are three reasons why education reform is possible right now. First, money. As the deficit becomes more important, investments in schools need to be efficient. Second, increasing public pressure and attention. Third, we understand what works, scientific knowledge.  O.K. here's the way I see these points. Money: if planned cuts to entitlement programs are enacted by a republican congress, homeless, hungry students may not actually benefit from any amount spent on education. Second: Public Pressure, it's an election year. Will public pressure keep up once this political football game is called? The documentary will help shine the light, but it will fade. Last, we understand what works, scientific evidence. Let's assume he means standardized testing, he doesn't clarify. Standardized testing appears to be accelerating the decline, it's debatable. Guthrie says we understand what works. If that is the case, why aren't we doing it? If we are doing it, why do we suck?                                       
      I haven't seen the film yet but I have been watching hours and hours of airtime on the subject of education. I am considering a career in the field and feel this research may help me make my decision. Among the series Education Nation, numerous interviews, experts, and reports I noticed something missing. Arnie Duncan, Randi Weingarten, Ben Stein and a teacher Town Hall meeting all missed it. Michelle Rhee came closest, still no cigar. Not one of these people mentioned consulting the students. Not one expert said they spoke to students at any time, at any school. Not of any race, age or gender. That's pretty stupid if you ask me. Ben Stein even said students don't need computers. Wow. If students are not consulted, or their opinions considered, any plan will ultimately fail. Maybe we should forward the experts a copy of the "Clues to Critical Thinking."
       My qualifications are as follows; Hundreds of hours as a volunteer in three diferent school districts, fighting through the beauracracy of Magnet, Vanguard, and Honors class programs for my daughters' education, and my current status as a first time college student considering a career in education.