SMHC

A long and fascinating article in the New York Times Magazine last Sunday addresses many issues related to the current economic stress the United States is experiencing.  Towards the end of the article, a new book is referenced that argues that America’s emphasis on a broad high school education beginning in the early 20th century was a major factor in the powerful long-term economic growth of this country during the past century.  The book’s authors argue, looking forward, that a decline in the effectiveness of U.S. education, if not fixed, could be a long-term cause of economic decline as well as increasing income inequality.  The article notes the new emphasis of the Gates Foundation which has set a goal to double the percentage of high school graduates who are college ready from 40% to 80% by 2025.  Because the Foundation has concluded that the prime element in attaining this goal is an effective teacher in every classroom, particularly classrooms in urban districts that currently have large shortages of such effective teachers, the article discusses elements of the Foundation’s efforts on effective teachers and teaching, citing SMHC Task Force member Tom Kane who is now directing a major education program at the Foundation.

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