In Georgia, we have an urgent need to begin resolving the genuine crisis we have in our public schools. Our response should be immediate, creative and determined to achieve results.
Although it’s the latest example of a troubled school district, in my view, DeKalb County’s problems are not unique. The recent indictments of former APS educators prove this point.
Consider this: According to the U.S. Education Department, in the 2010-2011 school year, Georgia’s high school graduation rate was 67 percent. That’s third-worst in the country. Our graduation rate was lower than Mississippi (75 percent) and Alabama (72 percent).
I propose we first acknowledge what is still good about Georgia’s higher education institutions and then find a way to learn how to bring some of those same competencies to our K-12 school systems.
Second, let’s provide solutions and action plans. Learning occurs when the lessons are practical and have immediate utility. I propose that a delegation of six people from Georgia go on a field study trip to a country that has a demonstrably great track record in improving their education system without spending enormous wealth.
India has more than doubled its literacy rates over the past 50 years in many of its states. It has had a culture of worshiping knowledge for centuries. And it has created and exported knowledge now common across the globe. For example, India created the digit “0” and the numbers system we use today.
The makeup of this study delegation could include a school superintendent, a parent, a teacher, a leader in economic and financial education, and a school board member, along with a representative who understands schools in both cultures. DeKalb County schools could be the perfect starting place for such a trip.
If there’s interest, I will personally commit to making all logistical arrangements and will pay all expenses while the delegation is in India. Further, I propose this be done in partnership with stakeholders in Georgia’s business community. For example, an economics and financial literacy educator could participate and bring back lessons from a country that is building economic strength through its education system. And might our hometown Delta Air Lines help in some way with airline tickets for this travel?
Gov. Nathan Deal has made a strong start on our journey to improve metro Atlanta’s education infrastructure with his appointments to the DeKalb County school board. The appointees have great diversity in age and experience.
Now we need to ignite the imaginations of our closest stakeholders and strengthen the participation of parents and teachers. We need a balanced approach for our education crisis and to work collaboratively.
We must begin now to address our long-term educational needs to improve the futures of our communities and our country. We cannot continue the economic viability of the past in Georgia without addressing education. Bring solutions and put them into action!
