We have been talking about the decline in education in our K through 12th grade the US for far too long, and yet, the problem is now at a level of crisis. We often cite the fact that we continue to fall lower on the comparison with other countries like China and India. This is particularly true in the areas of math and science. And, rightly so! Both of these countries and much of Europe have identified education as one of the most important priorities in their plans for future growth. So, how do we respond to the problem? By cutting teachers from schools, teaching to standardized testing and using that for evaluating school performance, making time in school shorter, and allowing politics to be a part of decision making. We are operating a time dated system of educating our youth that has not changed much in 50 years. And, as we go further down the chart, the trend seems to be that we do not have the willingness to change or the political structure to see education as a true priority.
So, what can we do to balance the equation and become not just competitive, but well educated? Part of the answer is in a recalibration of our cultural expectations. We have set the bar for excellence so low that it is relatively easy to graduate from high school. We have known for years that schools pass students on to the next year even if they have not reached a measurable level of proficiency. So, when and if they go to college, they are not prepared and do poorly, have to take remedial classes, or drop out. Our colleges and universities are some of the best in the world, but we drop the ball in preparing children for the rigors of a great education. But, we have some reality checking to do. First, not all high school graduates should or want to go to college. What about these students? There used to be a pathway for high school level students to prepare for a trade. Most schools had metal shop, wood working, auto repair, electrical, and even welding programs. But, like physical education, these have been abandoned. For what reason? Shorter days and hours in class, larger classes and fewer teachers, and tests that fail to measure what has really been learned. So, can we learn from the strategies used in other countries, or do we need to rethink our outdated system?
I located a 1999 article from a PhD student from India doing graduate work here in the US. His name is Sumit Gupta and he has some thought-provoking observations and comparisons about education in India and here. It is a well written, and sometimes critical analysis, but adds to a general discussion about education. Although it is an older commentary, it has relevance and is located here.
I am not an educator but rather a concerned citizen that is tired of talking to kids who cannot spell, solve an easy problem in percentages, or locate Kansas on a map of the US. Comments are always welcome and we will continue the discussion in part two...

What do these three items have in common? They are, and have always been manipulated by the 1 % with the money. It was interesting that as the storm Isaac was still in the open Gulf, the price of gas went up by anywhere from 5 to 10 cents per gallon. It looked as if the gas was being refined and sold on the same day, and the disruption was responsible for the increase. Gasoline is stored and stockpiled for months at refineries and other locations and has no relation to loss of production for 2 or 3 days.
All three of the above mentioned items is what Carly Simon was singing about- "Anticipation"! It is based on the future and what the item will be worth in the near and far term. And, with no doubt, the average citizen has no control of the direction of any of the concepts of this post entry. The stock market has always been controlled by those with money. The wealthy manufactures of steel, gas, and automobiles had the ability to move money around and have investors believe that they had some impact on the value of stock.
And how does politics fit into this money pit? Well, when gas prices are jacked up too much and the oil companies are recognized as the reason for the increase based on their profit,  Congress has them appear at hearings to find out why the prices are going up disproportionately. But so many of the members of Congress are being supported in part by oil money, that the inquiries are pointless. No one asks the hard questions, and the oil companies just produce smoke and mirrors.
So, the old axiom that one person can make a difference, really does not apply to the control of money. Gas prices will change based on the futures market, the stock market will be controlled by electronic traders, and politicians will be controlled by anybody with money. The trend is much more of the same as time goes on. I would like to think that I can elect the right person for the job, but money will dictate who will run, and probably who will win. Pretty cynical I admit, but realistic. But, I am still proud to be one of the 99%...