Education: The Biggest Issue

08/04/2008

Every minute a chance to change the world…
Dolores Huerta

In ExchangeEveryDay for July 29, 2008, I included a quote by President Bush on child care as a contrast to the lack of attention this issue has received so far in the Presidential campaign. That very day in the New York Times (July 29, 2008; "The Biggest Issue"), David Brook observed that the biggest issue in the campaign should be education. He commented on how for decades America had dominated the world in education, and that this edge “boosted productivity and growth”.

Then Brook observed… “But the happy era ended around 1970 when America’s educational progress slowed to a crawl. Between 1975 and 1990, educational attainments stagnated completely. Since then, progress has been modest. America’s lead over its economic rivals has been entirely forfeited, with many nations surging ahead in school attainment.

“This threatens the country’s long-term prospects. It also widens the gap between rich and poor….The pace of technological change has been surprisingly steady. In periods when educational progress outpaces this change, inequality narrows. The market is flooded with skilled workers, so their wages rise modestly. In periods, like the current one, when educational progress lags behind technological change, inequality widens. The relatively few skilled workers command higher prices, while the many unskilled ones have little bargaining power….

“America rose because it got more out of its own people than other nations. That stopped in 1970. Now, other issues grab headlines and campaign attention. But this tectonic plate is still relentlessly and menacingly shifting beneath our feet.”

Exchange Resources on Brain Research

Brook's article cited above leans heavily on the analyses of economist James Heckman, who in turn cites recent brain research to make the case for the developmental importance of the preschool years. Exchange has two popular Beginnnings Workshop units on brain research – Brain Research and Applying Brain Research – with insights from experts such as Pam Schiller, Ron Lally, Linda Gilkerson, and Bettye Caldwell.

Put a sink where it’s needed most
In the classroom, or on the playground, it’s portable, self contained and very affordable. Plumbing is NOT required. Have hot & cold running water when you need it where you need it. Ideal for hand washing with young children.

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