Educating the Workforce

Chapter 3 – How Have We Missed the Mark?

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” – Albert Einstein
 
In Chapter Three, the focus shifts from partnership discussions to addressing a critical issue plaguing the education discourse: the ineffective allocation of billions of dollars by Federal, State, and Local governments in attempts to boost academic achievement, ultimately yielding poor results. Despite escalating per-student spending over four decades, student performance, particularly in mathematics and verbal skills, has not improved, as highlighted by a study from the CATO Institute. The chapter calls for bold systemic changes, including the establishment of a new Department of Education and a National Education Consortium to overhaul the education system, address disparities, and prepare students for the demands of a global economy.
 

“And so the process begins. Students are continually tested and continue to fail. In their zeal to address these unfavorable test results, school districts buy into the latest and greatest initiatives “guaranteed” to produce better results. One has to ask who is getting rich from this cottage industry. Well you don’t have to look far. It’s the textbook publishing companies. They not only have created the problems, but also will be glad to sell you their miracle remedies as they constantly update their textbooks and software packages that have for years been causing failure in epidemic proportion. Now is the time for saying STOP! If we don’t take stock in what we have been doing, perhaps we are doomed and just maybe we deserve it.”

Chapter 13 – When Does Work Become a Four-Letter Word?

“They call it golf because all the other four-letter words were taken.” – Ray Floyd

 

Chapter Thirteen delves into the evolution of societal attitudes towards work, tracing back to early American history and highlighting the shift in perception post-World War II. The chapter discusses how the emphasis on higher education has marginalized skilled trades and contributed to a decline in manufacturing. It emphasizes the need for reform in education to redefine work as a source of pride and accomplishment, rather than a dirty word, ultimately advocating for a shift towards preparing an educated workforce.

 

“Today, there remains the strong notion that children must go to college in order for them to ever realize the “American Dream”. Fortunately, the millennium generation has begun to change their attitudes about work. There has begun an effort to discover something you enjoy doing while making a living at it. They want to know that what they are doing is meaningful. Making a contribution to society and to the common good has become more of a priority in people’s working lives. Yes, making a living and being paid a fair wage for their efforts is important, but it seems that having a purpose is becoming increasingly more essential to their overall satisfaction. “