The Uneducated American

By Paul Krugman

If you had to explain America’s economic success with one word, that word would be “education.” In the 19th century, America led the way in universal basic education. Then, as other nations followed suit, the “high school revolution” of the early 20th century took us to a whole new level. And in the years after World War II, America established a commanding position in higher education. Continue
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When one speaks of the American Education System, they demonstrate that that the, "System" failed them. There is no such thing as an American Education System...

I think he was referring to universal basic education for all. Since Ray-Gun (and Howard Jarvis here in Kah-Lee-FAWN-Yah), public education has been de-funded to the point of uselessness.

And watching TV (or playing video games) has made our kids stupid.

And fat.

Our education is like our health care, we spend more than most but get less bang for the buck...we don't have
a system for educating youth...

What would you do if you were king?

Cut the US Office of Education to 1/3 its present size. Repeal the No Child Left Behind Act. Convert all federal funding to block grants to the states. Beef up the Civil Rights Section of the Justice Department. Fund an Educational Research Desimination Project within the Administrative structure of the National Association Governors.

Promote a person-centered, community-based educational philosophy with an emphasize on Wellness...

Well, you have my vote if it ever comes to that. Here is LA, about half the money per capita that goes through the district has never been properly accounted for. About 10 years ago, Helen Bernstein of UTLA had gone farther than anyone in getting an answer from the district. She was hit by a bus while crossing Wilshire Blvd and killed.