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Monday, April 21, 2008
Are we still A Nation At Risk?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Our nation is at risk … the educational foundations of our society are presently being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity that threatens our very future as a Nation and a people.”
These lines come from A Nation At Risk, the groundbreaking report full of disturbing facts about education in this country. When the report came out 25 years ago it triggered a state of emergency.
The report highlighted declining test scores in English, math and science. It worried about America’s ability to compete with other nations. It talked about the demand for highly skilled workers and wondered whether the country’s students could handle these jobs.
Let’s look at where we are today. While SAT scores have gone up, scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress aren’t as high as many would expect. High schools struggle to make sure students graduate on time. There are constant reports that American students can’t hold their own against kids from other countries.
But there are improvements. Research and technology have led to better teaching methods. There’s been more attention paid to basic reading skills and more programs to support students who struggle in school. Some say we have a stronger pool of teachers.
Still, one must wonder: Are our schools better than they were 25 years ago? What lessons do we still need to learn?
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