???In a letter sent to every state governor on Wednesday, Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan addressed the portion of the stimulus that will go towards education. This money will be delivered in exchange for information regarding the performance of public schools, which, according to Duncan has been lacking.
???Educational standards must be raised in order for students to do well in school. Tests must involve more thinking and less straight memorization. In order to increase student performance we must first increase teacher performance.
???Around $100 billion of the stimulus package will be going to the Department of Education, which will distribute the money to schools in need. Part of the need is better teaching, and another part is a revamped testing system. More difficult tests will improve students' abilities, which will ultimately raise the standards of the school itself. Instead of students getting higher test scores on easier tests, students will struggle to do well on harder exams, which will result in a better education. Higher math and reading scores will lead to students with better grades and a better understanding of the subject matter.
Standards of teaching should be raised as well. Schools should insure that they only hire competent educators. In addition these teachers must have experience outside of educational fields. This valuable knowledge can be passed from teacher to student. Students will absorb knowledge more like a sponge, instead of reciting it by rote.
The value of a high school diploma must be raised. A diploma is important to obtain because proves a certain level of knowledge that must be standardized. Students must believe that a high school diploma is not only worth receiving, but also the next step toward a college education. Hard working students in high school will develop a better work ethic, which will last a lifetime.
Challenge needs to be reintroduced into the American education system. A more challenging system altogether will improve society more than an easy one that students just cruise through. It would improve work ethic for the students in high school, which will make them more productive members of society. Competition should not just be a facet of the free market economy but of education as well.
???Raising the standards of public schools and hiring qualified, experienced teachers will in turn increase the education of students. Students will absorb knowledge from better educators and carry it on through their lives. Education is the only way to save this society.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
