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While Federal and State lawmakers try unravel No Child Left Behind and other ineffective legislation, they are missing the bigger issue: the education system in its current form is broken.
An “industry” rooted in strong tradition and plagued by unions – much as the US auto industry was just a couple of years ago – not only needs new measurements standards, but also a new architecture.
The current education model was developed almost 100 years ago and resembles a factory assembly line. Just as the outdated mass production model in Detroit almost became the demise of the US automotive industry, our current model for mass-producing students is bound for continued failure.
There is another option. Use budgetary constraints to gain flexibility from the teachers unions, just as the automotive industry did. Use the pressure of “no other option” to embrace innovation. Use innovation to create a student-centric education model that uses technology to identify and cater to each students learning style. Districts that embrace this new model will have engaged, performing students and the flexibility to address individual needs, including special education, more efficiently.
Harvard’s Clayton Christensen demonstrates an example of this in his book "Disrupting Class". While it may seem abstract, the student-centric model described makes common sense. Allowing technology to play a larger role in educating our children will likely produce more engaged students and greater success while easing education budgets.
With every challenge comes opportunity. Legislation alone will not create a more effective and efficient education system, there needs also to be a strong emphasis and investment in innovation.
An “industry” rooted in strong tradition and plagued by unions – much as the US auto industry was just a couple of years ago – not only needs new measurements standards, but also a new architecture.
The current education model was developed almost 100 years ago and resembles a factory assembly line. Just as the outdated mass production model in Detroit almost became the demise of the US automotive industry, our current model for mass-producing students is bound for continued failure.
There is another option. Use budgetary constraints to gain flexibility from the teachers unions, just as the automotive industry did. Use the pressure of “no other option” to embrace innovation. Use innovation to create a student-centric education model that uses technology to identify and cater to each students learning style. Districts that embrace this new model will have engaged, performing students and the flexibility to address individual needs, including special education, more efficiently.
Harvard’s Clayton Christensen demonstrates an example of this in his book "Disrupting Class". While it may seem abstract, the student-centric model described makes common sense. Allowing technology to play a larger role in educating our children will likely produce more engaged students and greater success while easing education budgets.
With every challenge comes opportunity. Legislation alone will not create a more effective and efficient education system, there needs also to be a strong emphasis and investment in innovation.
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