Education has been given some pretty major donation over the past year. Oprah Winfrey and her Angel Network gave 6 Million Dollars to U.S Charter School Programs. Mark Zuckerberg, of Facebook fame, has donated $100 million to Newark Public Schools. And he is urging others to step up and support education.
Whilst absolutely no-one in the education system would say no to a chance to make schools better, these types of donations and initiatives seem focused on one specific cause or idea in Education, not one specific problem that needs to be fixed.
How would you spend the money?
If you were given such as vast sum of money, how would you like it spent? Teachers and parents have a unique experience of seeing exactly what student’s need, and need on a daily basis.
Some ideas I can think of are more teachers, better classroom infrastructure, more technology, better food or Arts Programs.
Whilst these are great ideas, do they fix a specific problem that impacts every student?
Now can you think of One Single Problem that impacts every student?
When I first heard of Oprah’s and Zuckerberg’s donation I immediately thought of a scene from the TV show The West Wing. It is the end of the series and C.J. Cregg (Chief of Staff) is being interviewed for a job by Franklin Hollis (very wealthy, influential man)
Franklin Hollis: I’m starting a foundation ‘cause if I hold onto all this money I start to look impolite. I want to find a single problem I can attack. Something which might actually have some kind of substantial effect. Maybe I should be fighting AIDS in Africa. Or maybe it’s malaria. Could be clean air or election reform? I don’t know. But my sense is that you would have a unique perspective on what that could be and how to make it happen.”
C.J. Cregg: A single problem
Franlin Hollis: It’s a complicated question.
C.J Cregg: Highways is what you’re looking for.
Franklin Hollis: Really
C.J. Cregg: It’s not sexy. No one will ever raise money for it. But nine out of ten African aid projects fail because the medicine of the personnel can’t get to the people in need…Blanket the continent with highways and then maybe get started on plumbing.
Franklin Hollis: Also not sexy. Well if you think that’s what needs fixing I’ll give you $10 billion to fix it.
Can you think of one problem and a ‘not sexy’ solution to our education system that needs to be fixed?
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Ainslie Hunter is a proud mum of a spirited toddler, teacher of children with Learning Disabilities and Special Needs and blogger. When not hanging out on Parentella you will find her giving the very best study tips and tricks over at Study Skills Mentor.
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- A Wish for Single Moms
- Education is Personal
- Father Involvement in Schools
- Why is Education Still in the 20th Century?
- 140 Character Conference & the Education Panel Day 1
Tags: Ainslie Hunter, Education Reform
How Would You Fix One Single Problem in Education? http://bit.ly/fmj5MM via @parentella
RT @ShellTerrell: How Would You Fix One Single Problem in Education? http://bit.ly/fmj5MM via @parentella
RT @ShellTerrell: How Would You Fix One Single Problem in Education? http://bit.ly/fmj5MM via @parentella
RT @ShellTerrell: How Would You Fix One Single Problem in Education? http://bit.ly/fmj5MM via @parentella
I feel the need to comment because you quoted West Wing. My fave TV show of all time. I love it SO much, I still watch it nearly every day, even though I’ve seen every episode at least 10 times!
And I’ve thought of the same question, but I don’t have that single solution just yet.
Fire teachers and administrators who fail. Often public schools fail to see they are employed by the tax payers. If you don’t treat your position with care, your students and families with respect, it should no longer be yours. You are employees of the people and we are your boss. We are watching and you are accountable.
Just what the doctor orrdeed, thankity you!
Today I received notice from the Kettering Foundation about a program that will be aired on the various states’ public television stations – called “No Textbook Answer: Communities Confront the Achievement Gap.” It’s meant to be a discussion starter for community conversations about the “achievement gap” and community’s and parent’s roles in fixing this one single problem. The KF has a whole “kit” to accompany a “viewing” to help with the conversation and with serious follow-up. Suggest the this in one problem that needs fixing. See the preview at http://www.kettering.org/achievementgap.
@April: I love, heart, adore The West Wing. What I find amazing is the fact that many issues that are being discussed/argued are *still* issues today. The show is almost 10 years old. How can that be?
@April & @Aparna – I know, isn’t the West Wing the greatest. My father in law has the entire series and I watch it every year (I ‘heart’ Toby)
@Gerry, thanks for the link. It’s great to see resources like this and I think focussing on one problem is critical to success.
@Jami – I agree ‘bad teachers and administrators’ are a problem. And firing them is definately a non-sexy solution.
RT @ShellTerrell How Would You Fix One Single Problem in Education? http://bit.ly/fmj5MM Research on #edreform http://bit.ly/5P4ODS
Love this: If you could fix one single thing to make the biggest impact, what would it be? http://ow.ly/3tgnp #fb
New blog post: Can you think of one problem and a non-sexy solution to our education system http://ow.ly/3tqDe
RT @ainsliehunter: New blog post: Can you think of one problem and a non-sexy solution to our education system http://ow.ly/3tqDe
With many single parents, and both parents in many families working, and latchkey children turning into couch potatoes, I think that it would be a good idea to extend the school day and year. However, I think that there should be ample breaks during the day to rest (growing bodies), to play (pump blood to the brain), to snack on “free” fresh fruits and vegetables, to observe nature, to contemplate, to create, and to pursue individual interests, all with just gentle guidance. Of course, an increase in taxes would be required to pay for this.
How Would You Fix One Single Problem in Education? http://bit.ly/dPR094 #edchat #edreform
Hi Pat,
Your idea to extend the school day is a good one. It would certainly support families. And could also help schools who have difficulty fitting in all the extra-curricular subjects and activities. This could become a burden on teachers, but if there were to be a concession that others could support children after school hours then I think it could work.
Ainslie