Need a quick headline? Just criticize public education! Want to vent about something in government? Aim for public education! Got a new education program to sell and need funding? You guessed it: make public education a scapegoat! It’s like a national pastime, folks—attacking public education is becoming a hobby for some and a full-time gig for others.
Now, I’ve had my fair share of gripes about public education over the years, from vague goals that leave you puzzled to curricula that make you wonder if they were written by a committee of squirrels, to unions that sometimes appear more self-serving than self-improving.
But as my mom always said, “If you’re going to criticize, at least have the decency to offer a solution.” Teddy Roosevelt chimed in with, “It’s not the critic who counts,” but rather “the person who’s actually in the arena,” which, let’s face it, can be a messy place.
Too many folks love to tear down ideas, people, or society, but they rarely bring anything constructive to the table. Let’s face facts: there will never be a one-size-fits-all model for public education. Our nation is as diverse as a buffet line at a family reunion, which is why it’s crucial for educators, parents, citizens, and businesses to collaborate and tailor solutions to local needs. That’s what real local control looks like!
“There will never be a one-size-fits-all model for public education. A single method won’t work for every student. Technology can help educators meet individual learning needs by tailoring instruction to each learner's unique abilities. But technology is a tool in the hands of an educator to benefit a child, not a replacement.”
Sure, students need to learn the basics—reading, writing, and not texting during class. But education stakeholders must also help them navigate the ever-changing world around them. What that looks like can vary dramatically from one community to another. The tech revolution is here, and it’s changing how we teach and learn faster than a cat can knock over a glass of water.
A single method won’t work for every student. Technology can help educators meet individual learning needs by tailoring instruction to each learner's unique abilities. But technology is a tool in the hands of an educator to benefit a child, not a replacement.
Technology isn’t just a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach either; it’s about creating a more flexible, personalized experience. All teaching, including differentiated instruction, should be structured and led by teachers, who are the captains of this educational ship.
A broader, student-centered strategy focused on personalization should improve learning for everyone. The old “teach-to-the-middle” method—where everyone does the same activity at the same pace and with the same homework—is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. It leaves many students behind, especially those lacking foundational skills. And let’s not forget our brightest students; personalization can help them soar even higher. Technology should be our ally in this quest for better classroom instruction.
A degree in education should not be the only criterion for engaging in conversations about public education. We need common sense and real-world experience. However, too many critics are fixating on the wrong issues, armed with faulty information or, worse, unfounded information. That’s a recipe for disaster.
But let’s be clear: public education isn’t perfect --- and never will be. It has its flaws and should continue to evolve. We must avoid the trap Alexander Pope warned about—being “too vain to mend.” All of us should root for public education’s success, if only because 90% of our nation’s kids are educated in public schools. We want our children to thrive and our economy to prosper in this ridiculous, ever-changing world. Now that’s a headline worth shouting about!
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JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee.