It is first realizing that we lag behind, and indicating where that responsibility is (and Obama do not have to tell you, everyone SHOULD know this already).
Think about it. Over the next ten years, nearly half of all new jobs will require education that goes beyond a high school degree. And yet, as many as a quarter of our students aren’t even finishing high school.
The quality of our math and science education lags behind many other nations. America has fallen to 9th in the proportion of young people with a college degree. And so the question is whether all of us – as citizens, and as parents – are willing to do what’s necessary to give every child a chance to succeed.
That responsibility begins not in our classrooms, but in our homes and communities. It’s family that first instills the love of learning in a child. Only parents can make sure the TV is turned off and homework gets done. We need to teach our kids that it’s not just the winner of the Super Bowl who deserves to be celebrated, but the winner of the science fair;
Well if the TV is turned off right there. America will not hear the rest of his speech (unless you sit right in front of him).
About science fair... it is a HARD thing to do. Very hard to come up with a good topic (and able to explain and able to demonstrate). Great ones such as splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, and some pseudo-volcano are so un-original. I think it is far more important for students to understand concepts.
TV can actually help education. Audio/visual is far better than hitting the books. I'd like to see great TV shows promoting education, beyond the elementary school level.
Bill Nye the science guy is a GREAT show. I'd like to see a show that shows me an equation or two for some real science. Someone please videotape some great lectures from college professors (and add great visual demonstrations)
I hope some young people raise their hands and response in tears to the following call.
In fact, to every young person listening tonight who’s contemplating their career choice: If you want to make a difference in the life of our nation; if you want to make a difference in the life of a child –
become a teacher. Your country needs you.
However, do we have enough schools to host new teachers? Do they have to wait til some old teachers retire? Are neighborhoods safe, free of drugs and gangs in order for teachers to feel safe? There may be more underlying problems than not enough teachers.
Now, let's talk about jobs. Even if you have a sea of educated people with college diplomas, if there is no jobs out there it is still quite useless. And, a lowly bachelor college diploma is not adequate any real math/science work, it is merely a beginning. Jobs are being exported as outsourcing steal jobs, and nothing is manufactured here. We ought to protect jobs here by taxing the heck out of companies who bodyshop workers from overseas.
Ultimately it is the parents' responsibility to teach your kids to want at least a BASIC education.
It is not enough to "don't be a fool, stay in school", but take advantage of it, learn something! Don't be a lazy fool.
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