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Sunday, September 11, 2011

Breaking the Cycle - Arlington, VA, United States, ASCD EDge Blog post

Breaking the Cycle - Arlington, VA, United States, ASCD EDge Blog post:

Breaking the Cycle

In America, success is defined by short-term business decisions…how quickly you can implement a plan that delivers a big monetary return. We are all familiar with those people who are revered for their ability to be able to do this: athletes, entertainers, entrepreneurs. Unfortunately for the rest of us, in each case it comes down to inherent talent that makes this possible. So how do we find worth in a society that reflects value in dollars? Some try to get-rich-quick playing the lottery and the market, while the majority of us work hard to do achievfe honest accomplishments that pays the bills.

Public education is the antithesis of what is valued in American culture. No no no don’t gasp or protest…I’m not saying it’s right…I’m just stating what we all know to be true. If American culture valued education, teachers would be paid well and students would be provided everything they need to be successful, as an investment in our future.

But look at the headlines over the past year:

  • Public education is being depleted of resources as governors work to balance budgets in tight times
  • Taxpayers resist further tax increases to fund education because the short-