Teach and learn

The 32nd Annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll Of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools by Lowell C. Rose and Alec M. Gallup is very interesting. In fact, it made me smile most of the way through. The folks at Gallup do a great job asking good questions and presenting the info in a way that even I can understand.

I will say though, when I read in the 3rd paragraph,

“Public satisfaction is also evident in the fact that 59% of Americans believe that reforming the existing system of public schools, rather than seeking an alternative system, is the best way to bring about school improvement.”

I tensed up a bit and found myself asking:

Reform rather than a new alternative?
Have we not been reforming already?
What areas are in the need of the most in radical reformation?
Is it whole sale reformation? A “one size fits all” situation, where everyone changes the same things regardless of the school and communities needs?
Are will yet willing to answer the question we often ask ourselves “How can we truly educate and develop the WHOLE child?

I love it…I get so excited to know that the American public still has faith in its educational institutions! I become even more excited when the thought crosses my mind that there is a true opportunity to make changes that will harness the institutional mission of public education and couple it with the countless personal hopes and dreams of our nations children.