How to build a Humane Student

Another touted report. Another misfire.

Although, unlike the 1983 report and NCLB, which missed the target entirely, at least this one hits some of the outer rings. Some of the recommendations, like teaching students how to think beyond rote learning is important. The critique of the so called "back to basics" readin' and writin' is also on target, and how the NCLB has driven schools toward the minimum requirements. But where it goes all wrong, as we often do in the US, is equating education with job readiness. Sure, no question that we need, and will need, certain skills to be successful in the marketplace and in the economy. But education is not the servant of the economy.

In fact, vice versa. We need to stop asking how to build a better employee, and really focus on how to build a more educated and humane individual and community. The rest will follow. Without that essential enlightenment question, we are missing the catastrophes and profound human dilemmas that the next few generations will be forced to struggle with. Overpopulation and starvation (we are already in the midst of this one). The legacy of the most violent century in history, just past. The increasing capability of destruction. The meaning and place of patriotism and citizenship. Immigration. Biological and Chemical Weapons. The dilemma of nuclear power. Global Warming. Ad nauseum.

The needs are untold degrees beyond mere global competitiveness. Yet, seemingly, that is the only "reform" conversation within the latest short-sighted report.

We need more. Desperately. And now is not too late.