As if global warming isn't enough to worry about, Americans are now faced with the devastating news that our educational system must be changed drastically in order for us to survive and thrive as a nation. This news comes to us from a group known as the New Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce (26 members that include very prestigious people). An article in the Dallas Morning News (December 15, 2006, page 10A) outlines the main points of the plan. If the plan is implemented, high school as we know it would never be the same. A very difficult test at the 10th grade level would allow students who pass to go on to vocational school or a community college. Those remaining in high school would either be taking remedial classes or studying more challenging work in order to pursue studies at a four year university. Another aspect of the changes would be for preschool to be available for all four year olds. Teacher salaries would go up. Oh, no! It looks like benefits for retired teachers will have to change to help fund all of this! ![Storm><img src=]()
" src="http://teacherlingo.com/emoticons/emotion-37.gif"> Schools would be managed by independent contractors but still be considered public schools. Obviously, this plan will require a great deal of work. Antonia Cortest, executive vice president of the American Federation of Teachers, is concerned about teachers losing benefits and schools being run by independent contractors.
Mrs. Cortese stated, "Blowing up the governance system is very drastic, and we don't know what will happen in its place."
In support of the plan, Charles Knapp, a former university president and director of education development at the CF Foundation, said, "We're aware we're going after some powerful special interests." He and others feel that the plan will be supported by the American public once they understand the importance of its implementation.
The entire article is available for purchase at skillscommission.org. and the article from the Associated Press can be viewed at CNN.com. I plan to purchase this report with some of my retirement money while I still have it and will give updates on the entire report in the future.