What is the biggest issue facing America in the current election? The economy? Iraq? Global climate changes?
In Tuesday's New York Times, David Brooks wrote the following to support his proposition that education is the most pressing issue the nation faces:
By 5, it is possible to predict, with depressing accuracy, who will complete high school and college and who won’t.
If that sentence doesn't break your heart, please get it checked.
Tom, that is simply sad. Wow. I've known a few teachers who said they could tell by age 9 who was going to get pregnant in HS and who would be dropping out. Sad, indeed.
Posted by: Frank Roche | July 31, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Even if this statement is only 75% correct, it's still devastating, isn't it, Frank? How can we afford to waste so much human capital? To allow so many of our fellows to be destined to living substandard lives as a result of an educational system that failed them? Depressing.
Thanks.
Posted by: Tom Guarriello | July 31, 2008 at 11:53 AM
As you said, even if it's only 75% accuracy, it's a shocking statistic.
Posted by: Ken G. | July 31, 2008 at 01:04 PM
We know by 2! Here is the data
http://smartpei.typepad.com/our_kids_their_future/2003/10/what_to_do_abou.html
Posted by: Robert Paterson | July 31, 2008 at 03:30 PM
Tom,
Teachers do not believe me when I share these sobering stats. Intervention and school reform aimed at MS and HS is tooo late. Educators can change lives if instruction is powerful in KG and 1st grade.
There is more at risk than bad grades or late assignments if we do not start working differently in education. It is our last and greatest hope for a generation of active, engaged, and thoughtful citizens.
Posted by: Angela Maiers | July 31, 2008 at 07:04 PM
Stunning, Rob. I'm afraid those stats make things feel even more hopeless.
Angela, I don't know what it might take to influence teachers but if their mind is made up, it's a frightening prospect. Thanks.
Posted by: Tom Guarriello | July 31, 2008 at 07:18 PM
I think after this speech will be one of the visitors to this wonderful site Bstmrar Thank you to my friends
Posted by: منتديات | November 13, 2009 at 02:34 PM
it is a shame becasue a few of the drop outs are infact very bright and if they had a certain mindset might achive very good results.
Posted by: clicky | December 30, 2009 at 07:53 AM