Citizens for Responsible Education Reform

Dear Editor:

While it is easy to point an accusing finger at whole-language reading instruction, bilingual education, federal education mandates, even political gamesmanship, the most pressing problem in American education today encompasses all of the above, and more.

Children are learning less because we -- teachers, parents, and society -- are teaching them less. In our misguided efforts to ensure the venerated self esteem, we have forgotten to educate our kids. Studies have shown that while American youngsters fall significantly below their foreign counterparts in many subjects, they believe they are smart. Remember, “I think [I’m smart], therefore I am.” If only it were so.

Turning the monolithic education system around will not be easy. Schools of education must stop pushing feel-good, mushy nonsense and begin emphasizing academics. So few in the education establishment seem to remember that the vast majority of America’s success stories resulted from both hard work and persistence in the face of adversity.

It would be easy to bash liberal initiatives, or teacher unions, or parents, as many have. There is plenty of blame for all, but it solves nothing. Let’s get down to the business of teaching kids how to read, spell and calculate. Until they learn these basics, all the money, bargaining agreements, computer gadgetry, and government programs won’t matter much.

As citizens, let’s once again require our schools and teachers to impart intellectual freedom by providing the basics of an “academic” education. I guess the answer is pretty simple afterall. It’s just accomplishing it that’s not.

Karen E. Loss
Director, Citizens for Responsible Education Reform

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