Laggards and Leaders Calls for Better Planning, not Cramming

With so much money and energy being pumped into new education reform projects, an interesting study conducted recently by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Center for American Progress, and Frederick M. Hess of the American Enterprise Institute offers a harsh and sobering look into our State education programs. Called “Laggards and Leaders”, the study grades each state based on a number of criteria not always considered in this context.

It takes more than improved student test scores to accurately give a state a clean bill of educational health. This is important to remember, especially with progressive programs such as “Race to the Top” now in the works. Laggards and Leaders also considers whether or not the state is investing resources into improved technology, dispelling ineffective teachers and replacing them efficiently, developing progressive and innovative programs that go beyond the standard matriculation model and develop careers, etc.

Traditional programs like “No Child Left Behind” often need a reality check such as this one. There is more going on in a given school district that requires attention. The report insists that of these 14,000 districts, about one third of our nations high school students graduate on time.  In short, the majority of the United States received either a C or D on their report cards, which is simply not acceptable.

The only B’s given out went to New York, Massachusetts, Indiana, Oklahoma, Arizona, and California. Nebraska, Kansas, and Connecticut received F’s.  It seems that most states take the prototypical approach of a student in that they cram for tests, without doing the necessary learning and planning for the future. This study makes it clear that reform is necessary. Hopefully, new reform programs will force states to be accountable in the way the Laggards and Leaders report intends.

To view your states report card, link to the Laggards and Leaders interactive map.

This is an EDU-torial by Justin Kloc: Justin is currently an undergraduate student at Lehigh University. Nearing the end of formal education for the time being, Justin is passionate and enthusiastic of its value for everyone.