We cannot compete with the Chinese and Indian educational systems by mimicking them [View All]

This is a fundamental problem with Obama's SOTU comments. Even if we were to exactly copy their techniques, and American Parents copied all the stereotypical "parenting" behaviors we are hearing about, we don't have the numbers. And never will. They can throw away 50% of their kids in poverty and menial labor paths and still have huge numbers.

What we need is a return to the fundamental education that made it possible for America to lead in innovation. This means fewer tests, more encouragement of imagination, taking the path less traveled, taking "unnecessary" classes in history, philosophy, classics, etc.

In short, Helping each student be an individual. And doing the best job we can to bring out that potential in each student, regardless of background.

Tests don't do that. Robo-teaching using "distance learning" and computerized kiosks doesn't do that. Supporting teachers who care about their profession and their students does do it.

Look at this toon:


Think about the sub-context- Why is the room falling apart? Why are only "math" and "science" pictured? Where are we being led?