The "Real" Role of Education

Does anybody really believe that our country (U.S.A.) is committed to a concept of education beyond what supports basic industrial/business needs? The fact that there is such a HUGE disparity in spending on pre-school and k-12, based on either the school district you live in or what you can personally afford leads to my conclusion that our education system is designed as a way to maintain economic hegemony. The competitive nature of our higher education system virtually assures a far greater participation by those fortunate enough to be born into positive circumstance.

WHAT IF:

• A real commitment existed to education, so that every child had the opportunity to explore their individual intelectual gifts to the fullest - perhaps funding schools at 85% or so of the best funded school districts
• And we began to invest in teachers, understanding that there are few professions more valuable to our society - providing both free education through their M.A. and pay structures indicative of their importance

There is undoubtedly a vast source of talent that we as Americans are allowing to shrink and rot on the vine as we let the fear of "real" competition convince us that there exists some mytical level playing field.

Let go of that fear, in favor of hope. The next Einstein, Pasteur, Washington, etc. may be out there right now, and their life saving, economy stimulating, science advancing potential will neve be reached because of our lack of vision and fortitude.