The Superman within us: Reform education now

“For a nation that proudly declared it would leave no child behind, America continues to do so at alarming rates.”

So sums up the new education reform documentary “Waiting for Superman.”

The film seeks to expose our nation’s failing public education systems and does so accordingly.

A free and quality education guaranteed to all, once an integral part of the American dream, has become a thing of the past.

America is quickly falling behind in education standards compared to other developed countries in the world. Americans currently rank 25th in the world in math and 21st in science.

We might have one of the most powerful economies for developed nations, but we certainly don’t have the brightest children.

Although, that doesn’t mean American children are born less likely to achieve.

In many communities across the country, children attend public schools that enrich their minds and prepare them for college plans and other possibilities.

But many children, living predominantly in urban areas, are not this lucky. It’s a hard road to high school graduation and an even harder one to college graduation.

The system is creating an uphill battle for children to learn.

Instead of relying fully on the public school systems, students and their parents or guardians are putting hope and energy into being accepted to charter schools.

These alternatives to public schools boast rigorous instruction, higher performances in children and free or reduced tuition.

Charter schools differ from traditional public schools in that charters aren’t obligated to follow district requirements, teacher unions are not present and educators have more freedom to be creative in the classroom .

But charter schools are not the be-all, end-all. A student’s chance of being accepted into one is slim.

Charter schools should not be the solution to a failing public school system, but rather examples to live (or educate) by.

The most refreshing aspect of education reform is the fact that it is politically inclusive.

All those politically involved in education are responsible for the decline in quality, and they all have the opportunity to be responsible for education’s comeback.

Any person the least bit connected to a child’s education has some responsibility for the outcome.

Parents need to offer unconditional support and constant reminders that an education is key if their child wants to make a better life for himself or herself.

If a teacher is not educating properly and not achieving results with students, he or she needs to be let go and not protected by powerful teacher unions.

And school administrators need to view schools as learning centers for children and not as employment centers for teachers.

As Geoffrey Canada, famed education reformer, proclaims, “When you see a great teacher, you are seeing a work of art.”  

Schools should only hire teachers who embody that philosophy, ones who can challenge their students and cultivate an interest in learning.

What can those of us who aren’t parents, teachers or school administrators accomplish for education reform? What can college students accomplish? Or maybe first and foremost, why should we care to accomplish anything?

Education may not be a hot-button issue for our demographic, but it affects all aspects of our world.

Education is a critical factor for determining political involvement, economic prosperity, the overall well being of a nation and a child’s personal health.

Children today are the future leaders of tomorrow.

It is our duty as able-bodied citizens to ensure that every child has a chance to live their best possible life. And that requires an exemplary education.

We should start expecting the best from public educators because America’s children deserve nothing less.

My column may not motivate you to become a teacher, donate books or money to students in need or write letters to your representatives demanding a higher quality of education for all students.

But I am hoping that instead of waiting for a miracle to come and fix education in this country, some of us can find a little bit of Superman within us.

Congratulate teachers who you know achieve in the classroom, volunteer with at-risk youth in the Bloomington area or others and please go to www.waitingforsuperman.com and pledge to watch the movie.

You receive the opportunity to donate five dollars to a school project of your choice.
While you’re there, watch the film’s trailer and note Anthony, a student in Washington, D.C.

Pay attention to his most memorable quote, “I want my kids to have better than what I had,” and consider how heavy that seems for a fifth-grader.


E-mail: abeander@indiana.edu