Why We MUST Study History

[RBInMaine]

42. You make a very good point about the CULTURAL PROBLEM, which is why we can't just foist "higher

standards" and massive standardized tests down on top of the education system and think that will just solve everything. Make no mistake. I don't have a problem with a set of reasonably challenging standards (as states DID have before the Common Core), but the Common Core in its present form is a massive over-reach and ANY adult in the country can find that out anytime. Just go online and take sample tests. It's too much. They've created a monster with it. It is out of balance. And it is no wonder why 22 states have legislation pending to modify it or get out of it as Indiana just did. New York gave the test, and only 31% passed. And we also MUST teach the arts and humanities.

Societies like Finland, Singapore, and South Korea place a very high value on education in their broader society and at the family unit level. In some of these societies, like Finland, they invest massively to eliminate poverty, have lifelong healthcare, have universal pre-K education, etc. all in support of their education system and those social values. As long as we have massive poverty and a society that places more value on crap like Duck Dynasty, Survivor, video games, and Monday Night Football, then we are going to struggle academically. Don't get me wrong. Many individuals and families do care and are hard workers, and we have many great schools, teachers, and students. But way too many have misplaced values, and we need to invest much more heavily in anti-poverty, universal quality Pre-K, etc. etc. if we are REALLY going to "reform" education. We do need to place a much higher VALUE on education.