Education doesn't belong to Government....

Posted by Jenn Jones on April 10, 2014

Education is a hot topic and has been for many years. We constantly hear about new programs and funding that are intended to improve education in our country and state. But over the years, the more money that is directed to education and the more government programs that are created – the worse our education system becomes. Do you ever wonder why?

First – let’s take a look at the definition of “education”. The Noah Webster 1828 definition is as follows: “The bringing up, as of a child, instruction; formation of manners. Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations. To give children a good education in manners, arts and science, is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties.” I then Googled the Merriam Webster definition: “the action or process of teaching someone especially in a school, college or university”.

See any differences?

Teachers Declare Mutiny on Common Core

Eric Wilson - 2014

A child is precious, irreplaceable, and unique.  If you don’t think so, ask any mother or teacher.  I believe this is the reason why some of the biggest critics against national Common Core standards are not only moms but educators as well.  They understand best of all that children are unique – not common.

A good teacher is priceless, exceptional, and unparalleled.  If you don’t think so, ask anyone that has been influenced at some point in their life by that special teacher.  The one that challenged their students, made them think, and inspired young people.  These are some of the reasons why I am one of the biggest critics against Common Core.  We understand that teachers, too, are unique – not common. 

Most of the criticism about Common Core seems focused on the child, political motivations, data mining, cost, and the bureaucracy it will create.  While all of these are valid objections, it seems less attention has been given to the educators and the consequences for them.  I believe there is something of a misconception that all teachers are behind these policies and are pushing this reckless curriculum.  In truth, you are beginning to hear their voices.  Common Core directly and negatively impacts many of the qualified teachers, and this is why more and more of them are beginning to speak out.

They fear that Common Core national standards will create mediocrity in our students.  What impact do you think it will have in our educators as well?  A good teacher finds a way to inspire and teach, but this will grow more and more difficult under the pressure to “teach to the test” and taking the individuality out of their craft.  In a recent interview with teachers, they told FoxNews.com “the new education approach is turning their lessons into little more than data-dispensing sessions, and they fear their jobs are being marginalized.” - Teachers complain Common Core-linked lessons little more than scrip...posted December 8, 2013. 

“Homelearning” Instead of Homework

It’s time to reinvent education!

“Hack” is a term I would like to borrow from Gary Hamel – an innovator in management and maverick in business thinking.  He calls for and encourages people to develop unique solutions he calls “Hacks.”  A “Hack” is any unconventional or disruptive idea that pushes the boundaries of traditional thinking.  They do not need to be complicated; hacks can be seemingly basic as long as it turns the tables and challenges the status quo.

The status quo is no longer simply “not working” in current education, but it is now the problem.  We need to begin thinking beyond the system that is broken and develop new ideas.  We need to begin to have “Hacks” in the classrooms as well, and start having the courage to challenge the conventional wisdom.  The following is one idea.  I invite you to add your own and begin a conversation about not only what is wrong – but what can be done.

PROBLEM: Homework may reinforce what to think at best, but does little to help kids learn how to think.

Tale of Two Standards

Eric Wilson - 2014


If ever there was a time when we should be emphasizing education (more than memorizing facts or training kids for specific jobs), if ever there was a time for the liberal arts and self-education, it is now!

 My worry is that the current administration’s enthusiasm for embracing Common Core is going the opposite direction toward a “one-size-fits-all” model and replacing any last bastions of liberal arts education with standardized information, data, and tests.  Common Core standards are truly the “wolf in sheep’s clothing” and are not only dangerous to the classrooms but dangerous to the child’s mind.  One of the so-called “improvements” to education under Common Core already requires over half the reading materials in grades 6-12 to consist of informational texts rather than classical literature.  According to the American Principles Project, "They de-emphasize the study of classic literature in favor of reading so-called 'informational texts,' such as government documents, court opinions, and technical manuals."

 The Common Core standards will replace classic literature with monotonous text and government propaganda.  The Common Core standards will replace knowledge and thinking with empty information.  The most despairing item of all is that Common Core standards will replace open minds with closed books.  Look at these two examples of recommended reading and be honest: which one would inspire ideas, inspire creativity, and inspire reading?

Common Core Hammers the Final Death Nail in Education

Eric Wilson - 2013


Many of the most recent (and worst) “improvements” to our national education process have come under the misguided banner of reforms such as Common Core.  Its stated objective is to set forth a national K-12 content standard to be adopted by all states to drive education to become more standardized across the country.  Its supposed purpose is to impose more rigorous standards now so that our students will be prepared for competing in the global economy of the future.

 Taking a closer look, the true progressive objective here is the development of a more disposable workforce.  Common Core proponents seek to replace the previous American education system with a more standardized, “predictable” approach.  This approach prepares the next generation to become easily assignable cogs in a national or even global industrial system.

 As far as the rigorous standards, the current Common Core curriculum will make students less college-ready and force school systems to lower the bar of already deplorable expectations.  Many states actually had more rigorous criteria in place prior to adopting Common Core, and signing on to these new standards is more of a “Race to the Middle” (as frankly admitted by one drafter of the Common Core math standards).  Early adopters of this program – such as Kentucky – have shown no improvement over the past two years and have even gone backwards with 30 to 40-point drops in proficiency tests.