Why is education important? A redundant question. Education and important. The words are one in the same. Of course education is important.
But that’s not the question. Why is education important. A slightly different question. Actually a very different question.
Regardless, the answers are somewhat the same. Right? Not always. Not even often. Ask a teacher. Ask a student. Responses are incredibly different. And here lies the root of our education problem.
Stay on track.
Memories about education are personal. The learner reflects about positive experiences in their education. The teacher remembers what school was like as a child. Different needs, performance, and results. The endless cycle of education.
Concentrate on issues.
Individual reflections – importance, purpose, and value – dominate education. Always fighting for center stage. Never coming to a conclusion.
Critical issues are left in the cold. Bring the issues to the front line.
Face the facts and move on.
Educators never agree on values. Don’t waste precious time trying to get consensus. Discuss learning styles and teaching strategies. Debate concrete problems. Attendance, literacy, technology, testing and assessment, literacy, online reading comprehension, teacher evaluation, student engagement and motivation, parent involvement, professional learning communities.
The list goes on and on. Use resources and energy to problem solve the critical issues in your school today.
