Challenging The Current

Model Of Education

To the Editor:

I would like to respond to the letter of March 29, “Educational Overkill” written by Art Niedzielski.

I am especially concerned about the addition of 100 new positions in the course of only four years. Since I do not know the circumstances, it would seem that it has something to do with improving learning and education.

This is often the reason given for spending more and more money in the school budget. Parents fear that this is the only way to guarantee their children get the “proper education.” We fail for some reason never to challenge the leadership to explain why continuous learning/memorization/regurgitation of content is so important in attaining success in the real world. We continue to load our children with textbook reading and long homework assignments in order to prepare them for objective tests.

We have to wonder why parents are now concerned about their children’s welfare after viewing the documentary A Race to Nowhere. Are we willing to challenge the present industrial model of education? Are the current education concepts and explanations valid and relevant in this new millennium? Why are other countries putting greater focus on “process” (cognitive operacy) involving developing intellectual skills and abilities? Why do our students attain low scores on international tests in math and science? Why do parents identify the ability to think in a Gallup Poll to be as important as literacy and “numeracy? Are we getting a return on our investment using the present education model? Has the time come for a serious discussion and evaluation as a community interested in seeing the big picture? Is it possible we do not know that now we are faced with having to “play in a different ball game” where America’s ability to survive will depend on being creative and innovative in a competitive global economy.

The world in the past operated in a “knowledge paradigm” but now we are living in a new “creative paradigm” requiring new ideas and a new thinking. It’s about understanding the new “information revolution” (Peter Drucker) where new concepts are necessary to rethink how we view existing information. It is happening in other professions and in businesses around the world. And one of the key goals is improving quality and reducing cost by utilizing more efficient methods. It’s about eliminating what does not give a return on investment. Is anyone listening?

Rudy Magnan

60 Watkins Drive, Sandy Hook                                      April 14, 2011